Low snowpack affects ski areas, reservoirs

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Snowpack is down around New Mexico and it’s not a good sign as the state heads into the third year of drought.

El Vado Reservoir is about 90 feet lower than it should be, a level last seen around 2001, according to the park manager. All of New Mexico’s reservoirs are low, some nearly empty.

Snowfall has been particularly light in the East Mountains, where snowpack typically sticks around into April.

In the Sandia Ranger District, the prescribed burning program has been slowed because of fire dangers. Unless the area gets some precipitation soon, Fire Information Officer Karen Takai says they’ll have to put the prescribed burns on hold.

“We are lined up for a large fire throughout the southwest, depending on the conditions,” Takai said. “The fire agencies and emergency agencies do have concern right now over what the season will bring.”

It’s also a big concern at Sandia Peak Ski Area.

Last winter was a banner year, but this year they’ve received so little snow, only one lift has run all winter. The ski area is closing after President’s Day, about a month earlier than normal. Operating Manager Brian Coon says the lack of snow could hurt summer business, too.

“One of the things we’re all concerned about is, just like the ranger district, is it going to be so dry that we’re doing to shut down the forest to the public this summer when we’re doing our mountain biking operations and chairlifts?” Coon said.

Coon said Sandia Peak Ski Area could possibly reopen this winter if a big storm dumps a few feet of snow on the runs.