I've been thinking about a few days in the White Sands area in late March, but have read some comments about it being a poor time weather wise due to high winds. I'd appreciate your experiences/recommendations.
Posted by Phillip Noll on January 26, 2008 at 7:36 PM
In general, Spring in New Mexico = WIND! Its my least favorite season because of the never-ending winds. Don't know if March would be that bad at White Sands--never been there at that time. Early March probably wouldn't be bad but that's just a guess.
I live in Alamogordo, which is about 13 miles from White Sands. The winds usually start kicking up here early March and run through April. Mornings would be the best time because they don't get going real good until early afternoon. It can get pretty nasty at times. The dirt can be so thick it looks like we're in the dust bowl again.
I would discourage your visit to White Sands in March and April if your could plan your trip for another time. It is a terrific photo location, but problematic even under the best conditions. During sudden wind storms at any time of year, you must be prepared to protect your equipment quickly as the fine sand permeates everything. And when hiking the dunes, you can easily become disoriented in zero visibility if a dust storm kicks up.
I was there in late May last year with good-to-fair conditions, but on one afternoon, a dust storm blew up without warning. Fortunately, I was still close to my vehicle so was able to quickly escape the pelting, stinging sand, but it took me hours to clean my equipment that evening. Of course, these conditions can also make for some interesting photos before and after.
All that said, you should certainly do a photo trip to White Sands, but try to put the odds in your favor by avoiding March and April.
Cheers....Gail.
Posted by Rick Dunn on January 29, 2008 at 11:20 PM
In addition to the good advice above, I'd suggest trying to time your visit with full moon. You can camp on the dunes - limited # of sites, so get to the visitor center early - and if you can get out there during full moon, it's really something else...
Discussion
4 repliesDebbie Hernandez
Alamogordo, NM
I was there in late May last year with good-to-fair conditions, but on one afternoon, a dust storm blew up without warning. Fortunately, I was still close to my vehicle so was able to quickly escape the pelting, stinging sand, but it took me hours to clean my equipment that evening. Of course, these conditions can also make for some interesting photos before and after.
All that said, you should certainly do a photo trip to White Sands, but try to put the odds in your favor by avoiding March and April.
Cheers....Gail.