How the heavy rains will impact Big Sur

Lots of rain forecasted to hit the Big Sur coast and The Santa Lucia Mountains over the next few days.

This could cause some trouble. Last year the Big Sur area had some major issues.

Big Sur River Inn, General Manager, Rick Aldinger says “as you know there was plenty of rain this time last year… February and march of last year. And there was slides along the highway, there was some localized flooding, the river came up quite a bit. And here at the river inn we had a moderately small landslide that damaged some of our rooms that we have since fixed up.”

And while being located in front of the river can be nice… it can also cause some trouble.

“Due to a dryer winter this year… the river is down to a normal level. But last year thing were a little different… Lots of rain caused it to rise up nearly ten feet. Causing some minor flooding issues and some partial damage to the inn.” – Zach McIntyre // KION Weekend Meteorologist

And this year… According to Cal Fire… Some of those threats are back.

“We are concerned with some flooding and also some debris flow, mudslides. And a lot of things with erosion control with the increase in rain”- David Clark // Information Officer, Cal Fire – Monterey County

Clark also says, “Up here we have the peninsula area. And a lot of the impacted rain area will be right around the Big Sur coast… and also our concern is right here in the Santa Lucia range. That’s where we will be looking for debris flow and mudflows.”

But these conditions are nothing new for the area.

“We’re used to it. You know, last winter was not the first time we have experienced winter time issues and I’m sure it won’t be the last.” – Rick Aldinger // General Manager, Big Sur River Inn

It’s not just mudslides and debris flows Cal Fire is worried about. That
much water can pack a punch.

“I’ve heard estimations of 6 inches of water can knock a human off their feet and off balance… and then a foot of water will actually move a vehicle.” – David Clark // Information Officer, Cal Fire – Monterey County

And while the rain can be bad for business… it can also be good.

Aldinger says, “in general, rainy weather will, tend to reduce the number of visitors to the area. But on the other hand. It seems like a rainy day like today , this morning we were pretty busy for breakfast and we’ve got a decent lunch today . So because there is not a lot to do outdoors… we seem to get a lot more folks into the restaurant.”