FORT UNION NATIONAL MONUMENT

PARKS
March 20, 2025

Fire Weather Watch
2025-03-22T20:00:00-06:00

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT TODAY 12 PM TO 9 PM MDT FOR ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT SATURDAY 11 AM TO 8 PM MDT FOR THE SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS BELOW SNOW PACK AND ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .Critical fire weather conditions are expected again today across eastern New Mexico. Gusty southwest winds will return while humidity values fall below 10 percent for several hours in the afternoon. A surface trough in the lee of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains will produce the strongest winds there, with winds a little lighter and humidities a little lower further south. Though high temperatures will be a few degrees below average, high fire danger persists in fine fuels. Winds will decrease Thursday evening, mitigating the critical fire weather concerns. After a break from the strong winds on Friday, westerly winds will ramp back up on Saturday for the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and all of eastern New Mexico. Very low humidity values are expected as temperatures rise above normal. The combination of low humidity, above normal temperatures and strong winds will create widespread fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire Weather Watch...which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Highlands and Plains (Zones 123 and 104) from noon until 9 PM MDT today and again Saturday between 11 AM and 8 PM MDT. * 20 FOOT WINDS...For today, southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. For Saturday, west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For today, minimum humidity values between 5 and 10 percent. For Saturday, minimum humidity between 10 and 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.


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Fort Union National Monument is a historic site located in northeastern New Mexico, approximately halfway between Santa Fe and the Texas border. It was established in 1954 to preserve the remains of a 19th-century military fort that served as an important hub for the Santa Fe Trail and a strategic outpost during the Civil War.

There are several good reasons to visit Fort Union National Monument. For history buffs, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians who lived and worked at the fort over 100 years ago. It also provides a unique opportunity to learn about the important role that the Santa Fe Trail played in the development of the American West.

Some specific points of interest to see at Fort Union National Monument include the fort's ruins, the Santa Fe Trail ruts, and the visitor center/museum. The fort's ruins include several original buildings, such as the hospital, officer's quarters, and barracks, as well as reconstructed versions of others. The Santa Fe Trail ruts are visible reminders of the countless wagons and caravans that passed through the area during the 1800s.

Interesting facts about Fort Union National Monument include that it was once the largest military post in the Southwest, with as many as 1,600 soldiers stationed there at one time. It also served as a trading post and supply depot for the Santa Fe Trail, and was the site of several battles during the Civil War.

The best time of year to visit Fort Union National Monument is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. However, the site is open year-round and visitors can enjoy guided tours, ranger talks, and special events throughout the year.

       




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