...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.
Rising to an elevation of 12,835 feet (3,912 meters), it offers an exhilarating challenge for mountaineers and hikers alike. With its stunning vistas and diverse terrain, Jicarita Peak attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.
During the winter season, Jicarita Peak receives a substantial snowpack that varies in depth depending on weather conditions. The snowpack can range from several feet to over 10 feet, creating ideal conditions for winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. As the temperatures rise in spring, the snowpack gradually melts, feeding into numerous creeks and rivers in the vicinity, including the Rio Pueblo de Taos and Rio Santa Barbara. These water sources provide valuable runoff, contributing to the region's ecosystem and supporting various wildlife.
The name "Jicarita" derives from the Spanish word "jícara," meaning small cup or bowl, possibly referring to the shape of the peak or a nearby feature. Jicarita Peak holds significance in the mythology and legends of the indigenous peoples of the region, with tales of mystical creatures and spiritual encounters. These stories add to the allure and intrigue surrounding the mountain, making it a captivating destination for adventurers seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness.
Sources:
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- National Park Service (NPS)
- New Mexico Tourism Department
Wind
Humidity
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara Campground
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Agua Piedra
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Agua Piedra Campground
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Agua Piedra Campground and Group Shelters
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Hodges
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