Significant Mudslides Shut Down Major Arteries, Malibu Canyon Rd. and PCH Due to Storms
Editor in Chief Cece Woods considers herself the “accidental activist”.…
This morning, a significant mudslide occured in two areas affecting commuters traveling through Malibu Canyon and PCH.
Shortly after 7 a.m. the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station released a traffic alert regarding the closure of Pacific Coast Highway between Latigo Canyon and Corral Canyon due to multiple mudslides occurring within that stretch of PCH.
An hour later, authorities closed Malibu Canyon in both directions because due to a large rock and mudslide.
The powerful storm in the first week of February saw significant rainfall with the Santa Monica Mountains receiving over 14 inches of rain in a two-day period. The storm caused evacuations in Topana Canyon, flooding, mudslides and a 10 ft. boulder landing on Malibu Canyon Rd.
Flooding in Malibu Creek was seen surging into Rindge Dam.
This second strong storm resulted in further weakening soaked hillsides in the canyons and ultimately the mudslides occuring this morning.
Road Closure Update From the City Manager:
Update as of 9:30 a.m.:
•Malibu Canyon is closed due to a significant landslide. It could be closed for 2 or 3 days.
•PCH between Puerco and Corral Canyons is still closed due to landslide activity. It is expected to open by this afternoon.
•Conditions can change quickly.
No ETA to open both major arteries. Use alterante routes.