Question is: How will El Nino affect Snow in California?

Of course you’ve heard of the infamous “El Nino”. You may even know the winter weather patterns defined as El Nino hit every 7-10 years.  Familiar with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which offers weather pattern predictions that affect life and commerce in the US?

More notably, if you live in Southern California, you may remember winter of 1997/1998 wreaked havoc on leaky SoCal roofs, and road gutters were turned into road-side Deltas providing a new wakeboard location in your local neighborhood.  I remember that winter all too well, because I had a 1973 Kawasaki motorcycle as my primary transportation. Everyday, it seemed, I had to put on my yellow rain slicker and pack an extra set of dry shoes for my 12 mile commute.

So what about this winter? It’s time for a cold wet, winter.  After 3 dismally dry rain and snow winters, as it pertains to California, we are desperately in need of water: rain! We need it. But, for me, I’m looking for snow. For us planners, adrenaline junkies, group leaders, ski retreaters, or guys who want to pack a quick snowball in the local mountains the question is: Will it snow this year?

Short Answer: yes! (Or at least a very, very, very strong probability).

I can’t guarantee snow, sorry! But here’s the next best thing. Looking back on patterns of previous El Nino years, California mountain resorts have seen above average snowfall years.

Last week, I spoke with Carl Williams, the Director of June Mountain Resort, in June Lake, CA.  Carl said, “El Nino usually means a cold wet winter, with lots of snow.  Should be a good year for us.”  In the 15 years I have been working with Carl he is not one to offer predictions without foundation.  In fact Carl’s confidence in an overdue strong snowfall is back directly from NOAA.

On July 9, 2009 NOAA issued a statement titled: El Niño Arrives; Expected to Persist through Winter 2009-10.  The Press Release stated, “NOAA expects this El Niño to continue developing during the next several months, with further strengthening possible. The event is expected to last through winter 2009-10″.

So now is the time to plan to take advantage of the snow, and of the deals.  Ski Resorts are ready to offer their best.  After battling poor weather, a tough economy, and all the challenges that brings, resorts are gearing up to offer more service and same if not lower prices than last year.  I’m looking forward to getting a great winter under our belt, and enjoying some powdery turns myself at June Mountain, Mammoth, and Big Bear Resorts.

So get ready! Here’s just a couple of packages help you take advantage of what looks to be the best winter, in at least 4 years…if not the decade!

June Mountain- Stay and Ski Package starting at $25/night/person lodging and $77 teen lift tickets or $105 adult lift tickets.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts- One Day Ski Bus Package $75/person includes bus and lift ticket.

More Winter Destinations

Even some of the more techy weather watchers and predictors like Brian Allegretto, in Northern California (Tahoe), though conservative in their predictions remain optimistic.  “Now I’m not advocating an 800 inch year by any means… I believe the odds are finally on our side for an above normal snowfall winter,” said Brian on his blog on snow in Tahoe. And though that’s not Southern or even Central California, it looks like all the California resorts are expecting above average snowfall this winter.