Moderate/strong El Nino predicted for winter 09/10

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's webpage, a moderate El nino is predicted for this coming winter. The weather pattern also has the potential to strengthen over the coming months, and is expected to last through the winter.

This is great news for many valley farmers AND dwellers as it can alleviate SOME of the current water issues. These issues include increased soil salt levels from groundwater irrigations and other farm operations, reduced dam capacity and increased environmental regulations from three drought years, and increased reliance upon groundwater which is dropping the pumping depth of many aquifers. A solution to these problems can be found in plentiful winter rains. Lets hope for adequate rains in the valley, a heavy snow pack in the mountains, and a great melt in the spring.