Stations we studies in the east central plains (Tucumcari
4NE and Clovis) exhibit lower percent of normal DJF precipitation (73%
and
76%
respectively)
during La Niña winters than the value for the climate division in
which they are located (82%). For Las Vegas, in the eastern highlands,
14 of
the 21
DJF
seasons
were
below normal, but the average percent of normal precipitation was higher
at 80%. Las Vegas' higher elevation and proximity to the central mountains
likely contribute to the somewhat wetter conditions. Note that the winter
of 2005-06 was the driest La Niña winter since 1950 for all three
sites.
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
14
3
4
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
13
3
4
(1 year missing data)
Years Below Normal
Years Near Normal
Years Above Normal
13
3
5
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).
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