Record snow drought persists in New Mexico and across the West, despite recent precipitation

Scientists predict snow pack in the Rio Grande Basin won’t exceed 10% of the median throughout the rest of the winter.

By: Patrick Lohmann

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: February 23, 2026

Words: 591

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 3 days ago

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Record high winter temperatures and ongoing snow drought are leaving New Mexico with a fraction of its typical snow pack and at higher risk of wildfire, even after accounting for February storms, according to a recent briefing from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists.

Like the rest of the West, the state is experiencing a record snow drought resulting from above-average temperatures since November. New Mexico and nine other states experienced the warmest …

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