Evidence of a correlation between defect-initiated pulsed laser damage and local predamage scatter in multilayer infrared mirror coatings was reported last year at this conference. Analysis of a much larger data base confirms this result on certain sample types over a substantial range of energy densities above the damage onset. Scatter signals from undamaged test sites were obtained using an HeNe scatter-probe damage monitor with a focal spot that nearly coincides with the 150-μm-diameter (D1/e2) focal spot of the damaging beam. Subsequent damage frequency measurements (1-on-1) were made near normal or at 45-deg incidence with 100-ns pulses at 2.7-μm wavelength. The correlation is characterized by an increase in damage frequency with increasing predamage scatter signal. Characteristics of the correlation are compared with a simple model based on focal spot intensity profiles. Conditions that limit correlation are discussed, including variable scatter from defects and background scatter from diamond-turned substrates. Results have implication for nondestructive defect detection and coating quality control.