By Rod Hill on 2010-09-30
With no rain in the forecast Thursday, Sept. 30th, the 2009-2010 water year will end at PDX with 39.24" of total precipitation. The amount is 2.17" above the 30-year average of 37.07 inches. Finishing above normal is an amazing feat when you consider the wet season months of November - February were all below normal. May, June and September proved to be the wet months of the year in terms of surplus amounts. The water year ending is only the 3rd normal or above season since 1999 - 2000.
In terms of climatology, I consider a "wet" water year to be 40.00" of precipitation or more. The last "wet" year was 45.93" back in 1998-1999. I am sure you recall the soaker of 58.68" from 1996-1997! With the La Nina winter approaching, we are due for a "wet" water year like we have not seen since the 1990s. Most winter forecasts call for heavy rains. As I always say, we'll see.
9 Records Tied Or Broken