Across New Mexico's central highlands, the effects of La
Niña events
on winter show considerable variability, with terrain effects likely contributing
to the variations from site to site. In Estancia, DJF precipitation averages
73% of normal, with 16 of 21 years below normal. To the south, where the
effects of La
Niña are generally greater, Ruidoso DJF precipitation averages 89%
of normal and Elk 2E averages 85% of normal. The proximity of these sites
to the Sacramento Mountains can likely explain the higher values. NOte
that three of the four driest winters since 1950 have occurred since 1998-99.
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
16
2
3
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
14
1
5
1 year missing data
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
12
5
3
1 year missing data
In each of these charts, bars represent the percent of normal
precipitation that was received from December through February during an
established La Niña event. The year plotted above or below the bars
represents the January/February calendar year. For example, 1951 represents
the data for the DJF period starting in December 1950. "M" indicates
that data was incomplete or missing for that DJF season. A gray bar represents
a value close to normal (+/- 10% of normal).
National Weather Service
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Weather Service Weather Forecast Office
