Land of Little Rain

The Chihuahuan Desert here in New Mexico receives about 9 inches of rain per year, almost all of it during the summer monsoon season between July and September. During summer storms dry washes--like the one shown at left--are likely to become raging torrents of water, fed by rain flooding out of the mountains into low-lying areas. Many washes, or arroyos, cross heavily-traveled roads and streets, and during the thunderstorm season authorities constantly warn motorists not to cross running water whose depth is unknown. Nevertheless, people persist in driving their vehicles into fast-moving water, sometimes getting stranded or, worse, being washed away downstream by the water's incredible force. Most of the year, though, the deserts washes and arroyos are bone dry.