2026-03-15T20:00:00-06:00
...RED FLAG WARNING FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM SUNDAY FOR ALL OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM DUE TO STRONG TO SEVERE WINDS AND EXTREMELY LOW HUMIDITY... .Widespread critical fire weather will develop today. Winds will turn very strong to potentially damaging as both a Pacific and backdoor cold front pass through the area. With gusts between 40 and 65 mph and single digit humidity values in many areas, critical to extreme fire weather conditions are likely despite cooling temperatures. * AREA AND TIMING...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), Northeast Plains (Zone 104), West Central Mountains (Zone 105), Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) today from 9 AM through 8 PM. * 20 FOOT WINDS...North northwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts between 45 and 65 mph today. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 15 percent with locally higher values across the peaks of the Tusas Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * IMPACTS...Outdoor burning is discouraged. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and will be hard to control. Long range spotting and extreme fire behavior will be possible.
Summary
Standing at an impressive elevation of 8,182 feet, this cinder cone volcano offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is approximately 2,500 feet in diameter and covers an area of about 1,300 acres.
During the winter season, Mount Capulin experiences a variable snowpack range. Snowfall in the region can range from just a few inches to several feet, depending on the year and prevailing weather patterns. This snowpack is crucial for the mountain ecosystem, providing water sources for creeks and rivers that flow from the mountain during the warmer months.
One notable creek that receives runoff from Mount Capulin is Rattlesnake Creek, which originates from the mountain's slopes. It eventually joins the Cimarron River, contributing to the region's water resources. The mountain's volcanic soil also nurtures the growth of unique vegetation, including juniper and pinon trees.
The name "Capulin" is derived from the Spanish word for chokecherry, a type of wild cherry tree found in the area. The mountain holds historical significance, as it was a prominent landmark for Native American communities and early explorers. The volcano's formation is estimated to have occurred less than 60,000 years ago, making it a relatively young geological feature.
Mount Capulin's rich history, diverse ecosystems, and stunning views make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring the mountain's trails or marveling at its geological wonders, visitors are sure to be captivated by the beauty and majesty of Mount Capulin in the North American Plains mountain range.
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