NWS ABQ La Nina Winter Precipitation CD2

Northern Mountains

December-January-February Precipitation

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While below normal precipitation is correlated to La Niña events across much of New Mexico, the relationship is weaker across the northern tier of the state and at high elevation stations. The winter weather systems during La Niña events tend to be drier and farther north than usual, however, the highest elevations can capture some moisture from the systems that track over our northern mountains. Therefore, stations in the north central mountains of New Mexico, generally have fewer dry winters during La Niña events. Even during strong La Niñas, the reduction in precipitation during the winter months is minimal with reductions in long term average precipitation ranging from 73% at El Vado Dam, to 82% at Red River and 89% at Santa Fe. Eagle Nest actually reported 123% of average precipitation during the strong La Niña events! Las Vegas is located in the southern portion of the climate division, east of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and at a lower elevation. Precipitation at Las Vegas was near or less than average during all six strong La Niña events, with an average 63%. An examination of wind data shows a reduction in east winds during these years, indicating a possible reduction in moist, upslope systems.

A description of the graphs is located at the bottom of the page.

winter precip for el vado dam during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 94% , for strong La Niña Events = 73%

winter precip for eagle nest during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 111% , for strong La Niña Events = 123%

winter precip for raton during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 89% , for strong La Niña Events = 102%

winter precip for red river during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 96% , for strong La Niña Events = 82%

winter precip for los alamos during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 91% , for strong La Niña Events = 66%

winter precip for santa fe during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 91% , for strong La Niña Events = 89%

winter precip for las vegas during la nina events

Percent of Longterm Average for all La Niña Events = 81% , for strong La Niña Events = 63%

Precipitation values for 3-month periods during 19 La Niña Events since 1949-50 are plotted with respect to the long term precipitation average, listed to the right of the graph. The precipitation totals for each 3-month period are plotted above or below each bar. Years for which the La Niña Event was considered to be strong are colored in purple. "M" represents a 3-month period with missing data. Finally, the percents of longterm normal for all La Niña events and for the strong La Niña events are listed below each graph.