We all knew this but still very interesting

[azsnowman]

We all knew this but non the less and interesting little read:

http://www.azcentral.com

El Niño may deliver wet winter for state

Shaun McKinnon
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 13, 2006 12:00 AM


Don't count El Niño out yet.

Although no rain has fallen in Phoenix for 60 days, climate experts said Tuesday that warm temperatures in the Pacific Ocean portend a wet winter across the Southwest, a trademark of the phenomenon known as El Niño.

Forecasters say the storm track could shift south over Arizona by January, with above-normal rain and snow expected into March. The timing is critical if the winter is to help ease an 11-year drought, said Tim Skarupa, a hydrologist for Salt River Project. advertisement




Early-winter snow produces more runoff for reservoirs than late-season storms. Snow stores water through the cold months when demand is low and releases it as spring arrives, bringing with it higher demand for water.

Still, don't expect El Niño to end the state's drought.

"It's taken us the better part of 10 years to get this far," said Tony Haffer, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Phoenix. "To say, 'If we had 25 inches of rain over the next six months, the drought would end,' would be incorrect."

Reservoirs on the Colorado River need three to five wet years to recover from the long dry period, said Gregg Garfin, who manages the climate assessment program for the University of Arizona. The summer's wet monsoon was followed by a dry fall, including the 11th-driest November on record in Arizona.

"We're never far from drought," Garfin said.

[Lowpressure]

I know we have asked you this before, but at what altitude do you live?

[JenBayles]

Aren't you around 7K feet Snowman? I get mountain sickness bad above 6,500, that's why it's sticking in my mind you're at 7,000+.

[azsnowman]

I'm at 7102' according to my GPS unit so I'd say it's PRETTY CLOSE