Drought — Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

2012-12-01 to 2012-12-31 · Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

Wider weather episode

Drought conditions persisted across the NWS Albuquerque County Warning Area (CWA).

This month the state saw an increase in storm activity with numerous winter systems crossing the state about once a week. The bulk of the moisture was confined to the northern mountain areas and the eastern plains with much of western and central portions missing out. Precipitation percent of normal was much better for December, again in part to the increased activity. The northern portions of the state saw above average percent of normal precipitation ranging from 104%-205%. Areas in the northeast also had readings of 115%-203% of normal precipitation. Other areas that were above normal were around the Gallup area and in the southwest near Glenwood. Areas in the west ranged from 62%-99% of normal. The Albuquerque Metro area as well as surrounding areas were still lacking with only 25%-50% of normal. Although the east did manage to see some moisture with winter systems most of the central and southeast plains remain at only 30%-85% of normal.

Severe drought (D2) continued across the ABQ CWA. D2 conditions were present along central and western New Mexico including the Far Northwest Highlands, San Juan Mountains, Jemez Mountains, Lower Rio Grande Valley, and as far east as Eastern Lincoln County. Extreme (D3) drought crept into portions of the Northwest Plateau by the end of the month and continued for much of the east enveloping most of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The sole zone left that has not succumbed to severe drought status is the San Francisco River Valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 418549. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.