Climate and Water Monitoring at Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Water Year 2024

In the third consecutive year of below-average rainfall, Carlsbad Caverns National Park's climate and water monitoring for Water Year 2024 revealed significant drought conditions, with temperatures also above normal. Notably, Oak Spring experienced a dramatic reduction in its springbrook length and complete dryness of its plunge pool, while Upper Lowe Ranch Spring remained wet year-round despite one orifice drying up during the study period. The research, conducted by the Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network, assessed six springs through measurements of discharge, wetted extent, water quality, and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to track rare species, invasive species, and pathogens. While no target eDNA species were detected, invasive plants such as Rabbitsfoot grass and Lehmann lovegrass were observed for the first time at Iron Pipe Seep and three other springs, respectively. The study continues to build a baseline reference of natural water quality variance in New Mexico's diverse spring ecosystems.

Fahey, K., Raymond, K., & Hubbard, T. (2026). Climate and Water Monitoring at Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Water Year 2024 (, Ed.). National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/2318793