Drought in Middle Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico

Light snow pack, combined with warm temperatures throughout the winter season had a negative impact on New Mexico ski business and set the stage for below normal river runoff and an early and unusually high fire danger season. Snow pack at the end of March averaged 50 to 60 percent of normal across the northern mountains and 20 to 40 percent of normal in the west and south. Forecasts of spring river flows ranged from 17 to 50 percent of normal water discharges. Ski areas reported business down about 40 percent with some resorts closing a month earlier than usual. Forest areas were especially dry with fuel moisture readings of 5 to 8 percent or near their lowest levels in 25 years. For the month, Albuquerque measured only 0.02 inch of precipitation or one-half inch below normal. Precipitation since January 1 is only 36 percent of normal for the city.