NewsTimes of San DiegoOctober 31, 2026San Diego County
City and county crews prepare San Diego trails and parks for El Niño storms
Photo: Times of San Diego
City and county employees are clearing drains, stabilizing fire-damaged burn scars, and inspecting infrastructure to protect San Diego hiking trails, parks, and open spaces from potential flooding, erosion, and rockslides during an anticipated wet winter.
Read the full story at Times of San DiegoWhy It Matters
Residents face potential trail closures, flooding, rockfalls, and restricted access to low-lying parks and open spaces lasting several weeks following heavy storms.
Key Facts
- City and county crews are clearing debris, leaf litter, and trash from drains to reduce flood risks around parks and facilities.
- Crews have added new drains and improved existing ones on steeper trails like Cowles Mountain to mitigate rockfall and rockslides.
- Low-lying areas such as Peñasquitos Canyon are subject to 'flashy flows' where streams and creeks rise rapidly after storms.
- Low-lying areas can remain inaccessible for several weeks following heavy, back-to-back storms.
- Peñasquitos Canyon suffered two major fires in June and August 2026, burning a total of 230 acres and leaving unstable ground conditions.
- Burn scar areas are being managed with best practices like sandbags, fiber rolls, and mulch to control runoff and erosion.
- The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation is inspecting drainage infrastructure, securing loose equipment, checking water and septic systems, and verifying emergency access routes.
- Climate scientist Daniel Swain forecasts a 90% chance of a wetter-than-average winter in Southern California, with El Niño peaking in December and lasting until March.
- County officials direct residents to alertsandiego.org for emergency kit guidance and alert registration.
- City officials advise residents to check weather conditions, call ahead for trail reports, and avoid open spaces during expected storms.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationTimes of San Diego“Publication that received emailed statements from city and county spokespeople.”OrganizationWeather West“Weather blog where Daniel Swain published his forecast.”OrganizationSan Diego county’s Department of Parks and Recreation“County department inspecting drainage infrastructure and monitoring weather.”locationMission Trails“Open space area facing potential trail erosion and hillside movements.”PersonBenjamin Cartwright“City spokesperson providing statements on municipal preparations.”locationCowles Mountain“Higher peak area experiencing added drains to prevent rockfall and rockslides.”locationLos Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve“Low-lying area facing increased flooding risks and unstable ground from recent f”PersonDaniel Swain“Climate scientist forecasting El Niño intensity and timing.”Organizationalertsandiego.org“Resource website for county residents to find El Niño preparation materials.”locationSan Diego“City and county jurisdiction undertaking storm preparations.”PersonDonna Durckel“County spokesperson providing details on county park preparations and burn scar ”