Snowy Desert

A frosty Prickly Pear Cactus

Snow in the northern Chihuahuan Desert is not a rarity, and is often a welcome event.  It brings much-needed precipitation to an arid region, moisture that leaches into the underground aquifer after being slowly absorbed by native flora. Snow days also create a welcome aesthetic contrast to the generally sunny disposition of the desert landscape.  I must add, too, that it's great fun to get out into a snowy desert with a good dog who likes nothing better than to romp around in the white stuff.

Torrey Yuccas wearing a thin mantle of white

Yuccas and Tortugas Mountain

A promise of even more snow

Eager to reach the lower desert

A nose for snow

Soaptree Yuccas and Tortoise Mountain

Bishop Cap

The Organ Mountains

Under the snow a Barrel Cactus

Across the white expanse of Chihuahuan Desert

Soaptree Yucca

White-winged Dove on a snowy Ocotillo branch