WTM Builds 164th Station in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The team working to build the new station overlooking the Chihuahuan Desert.

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the West Texas Mesonet reached an exciting milestone by installing its 164th weather station within Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This station is the ninth addition in 2024, joining other recent installations in Marfa, Shields, Flomot, Orla, 6666 Ranch, Pantex Lake, Abilene Christian University, and Dalhart, Texas. 

The project was made possible through collaboration with several federal and nonprofit organizations. Its strategic location is of critical importance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Monitoring meteorological changes, such as heavy rainfall or extreme heat, significantly supports park management and operations. Furthermore, the new station fills a vital gap in the Midland, TX, National Weather Service (NWS) County Warning Area (CWA). Covering over 51,000 square miles, Midland’s CWA is one of the largest in the nation, and the West Texas Mesonet now maintains weather stations in 19 of its 26 counties. 

The team preparing to install the wind sensors.

A key feature of this installation is its partnership with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. This nonprofit organization aims to understand migration patterns of declining bird species. In addition to the installed weather instruments, the station’s tower is equipped with antennas that detect tagged birds flying nearby. Each detection event is recorded in an online database, providing valuable data for ongoing research. 

Representatives from the Lubbock National Weather Service office also attended the installation to support the mesonet and their neighboring office in Midland. 

As the West Texas Mesonet approaches its 25th anniversary, we extend our gratitude to all our partners for their continued support, which makes advancements like these possible. 

 

Learn more about the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.