New Mexico Drought Status

Drought conditions remained virtually unchanged across New Mexico over the past thirty days. Some parts of eastern New Mexico received average to above-average precipitation over this period, but it wasn’t enough to substantially improve short- and longer-term drought conditions, which continue to persist. All of the state continues to experience some level of drought with almost 100 percent at the moderate level or worse, according to the October 16 update of the U.S. Drought Monitor (Figures 5a–b). More than 66 percent of the state is experiencing drought conditions at the severe level, with 12 percent at the extreme level or worse. Compared to one year ago, drought conditions have substantially improved, however. On October 18, 2011, the U.S. Drought Monitor classified 63 percent of the state with extreme or exceptional drought. Currently, this number is about 11.5 percent. However, whereas the northwest corner of the state was drought-free at the end of 2011, it is now experiencing severe or extreme drought.

In drought-related news, dire drought conditions in Texas and New Mexico have driven up the occurrence of grass thefts across the region (Associated Press, October 3). This includes stealing hay, cutting fences, and leaving gates open so cattle can move into other pastures. One incident in Colorado resulted in the theft of more than $5,000 in hay from a ranch.