News

Cibola Drought Monitor – May 2026

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Extreme drought expands as Cibola moves toward summer CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Cibola County is entering summer with drought still covering every part of the county, and the latest federal data shows the drought has deepened since the spring.According to the U.S.

Cibola Water Monitoring Report – June 10–16

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
CIBOLACOUNTY, N.M. – As summer takes hold across western New Mexico, this week's monitoring data shows a familiar pattern: Bluewater Lake continues its gradual decline, the Rio San Jose remains relatively stable, and drought conditions continue to worsen.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map valid June 9, 2026, shows all of Cibola County in drought, with 37.05 percent in Severe Drought and 62.95 percent in Extreme Drought. The map shows severe and extreme drought stretching across portions of western New Mexico, adding urgency to forest, watershed, road and range projects that may be considered through the Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee. Source: NDMC, NOAA, USDA. Courtesy Photo

The U.S. Drought Monitor map valid June 9, 2026, shows all of Cibola County in drought, with 37.05 percent in Severe Drought and 62.95 percent in Extreme Drought. The map shows severe and extreme drought stretching across portions of western New Mexico, adding urgency to forest, watershed, road and range projects that may be considered through the Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee. Source: NDMC, NOAA, USDA. Courtesy Photo

Forest Service Seeks Applicants for Resource Advisory Committee as Drought Presses Western New Mexico

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Committee to direct funding toward roads, trails, watershed work, range infrastructure and wildfire resilience projects CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M.