Ski Apache hopeful for some snow as storm moves over New Mexico

MESCALERO, New Mexico — Forecasters with the National Weather Service in New Mexico say a storm is expected to cross over the state on Saturday morning and officials at Ski Apache are hoping to get a little help from Mother Nature.

The upper-level low pressure system will bring with it snow, which Ski Apache's director of operations Ken Marlatt says he looks forward to.

Marlatt adds that they also have machines to help make more snow in anticipation of the slopes being ready to open to skiers on Dec. 17.

But forecasters are warning the drought-stricken state not to expect too much moisture out of this weekend's system.

About half of the state is dealing with exceptional drought — the highest designation under which fire danger increases and large rivers run dry. That marks a significant change even since the previous week.

Pointing to data from past winter seasons and climate models, forecasters say precipitation in central and northern New Mexico during December, January and February will most likely range from slightly below to below climatological averages.

Snowfall data from previous weak to moderate La Niña events also suggest that snowfall will range from slightly below to below average, with the northern quarter of the state favored with the best chances for a near-average winter.

Temperatures for the coming months are expected to be above average.