Drought in Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

February precipitation fared much better than January across New Mexico, which resulted in yet another dent in the drought for portions of northwest New Mexico. The central and northern mountains generally received greater than normal, up to 120 percent, precipitation totals for the month. Lower elevations generally received below average precipitation. Portions of the eastern plains received zero precipitation for the second month in a row.

Above normal precipitation allowed the Jemez and San Juan Mountains to fall out of severe (D2) drought status in February. However, the remainder of the area largely remained unchanged. Extreme (D3) to exceptional (D4) drought continued across much of the southeast quadrant, while severe (D2) drought continued across the northeast and central portions of the state. Monetary damages will be estimated at the end of the event.