NMHU 72 Hour Data Jemez River June 2011

Streams located in the western and southwestern United States have been changing in accordance to climate
change. Generally, these streams are being subjected to increasing temperature and decreasing snowpack, altering
the normality of their discharge. More specifically, the Jemez Mountains, which includes the Jemez River, has been
experiencing the effects of climate change for more than fifty years. Decreases in precipitation in the form of
snow have led to an approximately 40% discharge decrease in the Jemez River, along with an increase of approximately
2oF in ambient air temperature. With increases of ambient air temperature, water temperature of the Jemez River has
also increased, proportionately. Due to its volcanic history, many geothermal springs exist in the Jemez Mountains.
These springs continually contribute dissolved solutes, including arsenic, to the Jemez River. The combination of
decreased discharge and increased water temperature could potentially increase the concentrations of total and
dissolved arsenic in the river and contribute to substantial diel fluctuations. These possible rapid and large diel
fluctuations in arsenic may impact the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, which rely on the Jemez River. In addition,
the Jemez River is a major water source of irrigation and drinking water supply to several communities along its path.
It is also the largest tributary of the Middle Rio Grande, which is the major source of water for communities in central
and southern New Mexico. Understanding how climate change will influence the behavior of this potentially hazard
element is crucial in determining how the goods and services provided by the Jemez River will impact not only
wildlife but also the communities that rely on this resource.