Pre-planning trip - Bloom time?

[Rick Inman]

Well, sounds like I've convinced my wife that a trip to Monterey in March/April will be a tropical vacation! Last trip to Monterey was in the fall and, of course, conditions were great. This year, we're talking early spring. I know it's an El Nino year, and of course, conditions very. But my question is, when does the annual bloom normally begin?
By the end of Feb., I'll be getting tired of tromping through the snow and breaking through the ice to get into the freezing lakes, or making the treacherous drive over the pass to get to Puget Sound (but the risk is worth it!), and I'll be ready for the easy, tropical diving in Monterey!
So, how about some facts/information on bloom?

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

You can have a bloom, or "clear" water, any time of the year, but the most common
time for a bloom is late June through about the second week in September. If you are
thinking March/April, I'd shade it torwards late April -- less chance of getting blown out
by a late storm.

 

[Rick Inman]

You can have a bloom, or "clear" water, any time of the year, but the most common
time for a bloom is late June through about the second week in September. If you are
thinking March/April, I'd shade it torwards late April -- less chance of getting blown out
by a late storm.

Thanks Chuck! Hope I can stand to wait that long...