Lots of waves and snow on tap this winter. Surfline was kind enough to assemble and post this forecast for the upcoming El Nino season. Warmer than average ocean temperatures are in place throughout the tropical Pacific, which translates to more storm activity and more precipitation.

Not just a factor of more, the El Nino also pushes the jet stream to lower latitudes resulting in strong storms affecting southern areas of the western coast and inland mountains.This scenario should prove fruitful for more waves, more often and for more regions of the coast stretching from the Northwest down to southern California.

Warm El Nino ocean temps = mucho waves and snowfall!
Image courtesy of Surfline.com

In the mountains the higher frequency of moisture-rich storms will likely delivery higher snowfall throughout the Sierras and San Gabriel mountains...good news for skiers and snowboarders in Tahoe, Mammoth and Big Bear. Though as Surfline notes, the snow will "be more of the heavy, sierra cement variety as El Nino winters are relatively warm, temperature wise."

Regardless this is good news for those looking to split their time this winter between beach break barrells and hi alpine pow turns. If you're still not convinced, be assured by El Nino himself...