The drought designation for much of Arizona and New Mexico has not changed much from last month. With the exception of eastern New Mexico, moderate to exceptional drought conditions persist over the entire region. Recent precipitation from the passage of vigorous winter storm front across the western U.S. during late December helped improve short-term conditions. Snowpack has increased, though not to the 1971-2000 average, at many recording sites along the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains in Arizona. In north-central New Mexico many basins are now recording above average snow water equivalent. However, long-term drought indicators, such as the Palmer Hydrological Drought Index, show that conditions related to water supply, though improved, are still indicative of drought. The impact of precipitation this winter on spring 2003 streamflow is likely to be tempered, due to deficits in soil moisture accumulated over the past several years of drought.
End InSight December 2002
Published by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS), with support from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the Arizona State Climate Office, and the New Mexico State Climate office.
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