The problem with fallout paths for the southrn california area is it can be very eratic at times. We can have a strong coastal wind to a desert wind blown out to the ocean the we lovingly call Santa Anas. As we have found with wildfires that burned hundreds of thousands of acres just a couple years ago, the wind is no friend to us in times of need here in southern cali. Now granted a ground burst set up would supposedly release less fallout but the resulting fires in surronding areas would add to what little fallout there is.

Now there is the natural barrier of the San Bernardino Mountains and Angeles National Forest. Figuring that the commander at Ft. Irwin would take into consideration weather patterns and such i could see some smaller well placed nuclear devices used or delivered. Low yield bad boys (Kt range more than Mt) that would let surronding radiation disappate quicker save for the exactly ground zero for any devices. I think I do agree with heavier non-nuclear weapons as the after effects may be easier to control.

Plus there is the idea, why use nukes to clear one concentration when this seems to be nation wide. It would take too many weapons even small ones to do the job.

Kinda a cool link for any of you Nuke heads out there.
http://www.carloslabs.com/projects/2...roundZero.html