Drought in Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

March 2014 was the most active month year-to-date, with two widespread, significant precipitation events, but overall precipitation was below average areawide. Short-term precipitation deficits and dry soil conditions led to expansion of Extreme Drought (D3) in south-central New Mexico and an expansion of Moderate Drought (D1) in southeastern New Mexico. Otherwise, the percent of New Mexico in severe or worse drought remained virtually unchanged from the previous month around 66 percent.