CoastTop story
A UC Davis report says Avila Beach and Pismo Beach face severe flooding risk this winter
Two SLO County spots made the list
- 6
- California areas flagged for severe coastal flooding this winter
- 2
- of them in SLO County: Avila Beach and Pismo Beach
Source: Cal Coast News
If you spend time at Avila Beach or Pismo Beach, a new UC Davis report has you on its list. It identifies six areas of California at risk for severe coastal flooding this winter, and Cal Coast News reports that a Kelvin Wave, King Tides and El Niño conditions are likely to cause flooding and damage in both.
CBS San Francisco says SLO Creek near Avila Beach could flood from both high tide and stormwater runoff. Pismo Beach may see beach erosion and flooding next to Pismo Creek.
“Depending on the timing and location of storms, high tides, and stormwater runoff, the flooding could be profound and historic, or only result in temporary inconvenience and expense.”
UC Davis report
- Also flagged: Elkhorn Slough, South San Francisco Bay, Stinson Beach, Humboldt Bay
- Worst impacts: approaching storms or southerly wind/wave direction
- These are examples, not the only areas at risk
Here is what the report expects at each SLO County spot
| Area | Expected risk |
|---|---|
| Avila Beach | Flooding near SLO Creek |
| Pismo Beach | Beach loss; flooding by Pismo Creek |
Sources: Cal Coast News, CBS San Francisco
