NWS ABQ - EL Nino Winter Precip for CD6

Central Highlands

December-January-February Precipitation

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Across New Mexico's central highlands, the effects of El Niño events on winter precipitation show considerable variability, with terrain effects likely contributing to the variations from site to site. In Estancia, DJF precipitation averaged 144% of normal. To the south, where the effects of El Niño are generally stronger, Ruidoso DJF precipitation averaged 118% of normal while Elk 2E averaged 143% of normal. The proximity of these sites to the Sacramento Mountains can likely explain the range of values. For strong El Niño events, winter precipitation was highest at Elk 2E with 183% of average precipitation and lowest at Ruidoso with 128% of normal precipitation.

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

winter precip for estancia during el nino events

Percent of Longterm Average for all El Niño Events = 144% , for strong El Niño Events = 161%

winter precip for ruidoso during el nino events

Percent of Longterm Average for all El Niño Events = 118% , for strong El Niño Events = 128%

winter precip for elk during el nino events

Percent of Longterm Average for all El Niño Events = 143% , for strong El Niño Events = 183%

Precipitation values for 3-month periods during 18 El Niño 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 El Niño Event was considered to be strong are colored in dark green. "M" represents a 3-month period with missing data. Finally, the percents of long term normal for all El Niño events and for the strong El Niño events are listed below each graph.