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2005 SWCO Water Year in Review (PDF, 860 KB)
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Note: The Southwest Climate Outlook is published monthly by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest Project at the University of Arizona. This work is funded, in part, by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Technology Research Initiative Fund of the University of Arizona Water Sustainability Program.
The Southwest Climate Outlook contains official and non-official forecasts, as well as other information. While we make every effort to verify this information, understand that we do not warrant the accuracy of any of these materials. Links to outside agencies or products do not constitute endorsement. Read full disclaimer
The Southwest Climate Outlook is jointly published each month by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest project and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
Ben Crawford, Assistant Research Scientist
Mike Crimmins, Extension Agent
Stephanie Doster, Information Specialist
Gregg Garfin, CLIMAS Program Manager
Alex McCord, Research Associate
Kristen Nelson, Assistant Editor
Rick Brandt, Graduate Research Assistant
Melanie Lenart, Research Associate
Forecasts and Outlooks > Archive
Southwest Climate Outlook - October 2005
Date issued: October 25, 2005
A. Summary
Drought – Abnormally dry conditions to moderate drought continue in the western half of New Mexico, as well as in northeastern and southeastern Arizona.
- Pasture and range land conditions continue to degrade in Arizona.
- Large Colorado River reservoirs and Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico remain considerably below average.
Temperature – The past 30 days were mainly warmer than average across the Southwest region.
Precipitation – Much of the Southwest received below-average precipitation during the past 30 days. North-central New Mexico and western Arizona were notable exceptions.
Climate Forecasts – Models indicate increased chances of above-average temperatures in the Southwest through April 2006. Forecasters predict slightly increased chances of drier-than-average conditions across most of the region for the fall and early winter.
El Niño – ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through spring 2006.
The Bottom Line – Drought should persist along parts of the Arizona-New Mexico border. Hydrological drought is still a concern for managers of some large surface water supplies in the Southwest.
Water Year in Review
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As Southwest managers and policy makers prepare for the 2006 water year, water supply issues are once again in the forefront of Southwest newspapers. In New Mexico, planners are working on projects to utilize Gila River water allocated through the Arizona Water Settlements Act and the Ute Water Project to augment Ogallala Aquifer supplies in northeastern New Mexico. Recent Arizona water concerns include fallout from a plan to line the All-American Canal, which brings Colorado River water to California irrigators; the canal lining will deprive Mexican farmers of much-needed water. Districts in northwest Tucson have been in the news because rapid groundwater aquifer depletion and subsidence are forcing earlier-than-planned acquisition of Central Arizona Project water.