Cost of Storm Damage Rises

Damage from recent storms in Southern California has been estimated at more than $60 million http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/12/damage-from-southern-california-rains-could-top-60-million.html . While seven days of rain interfered with almost everything, Mission Viejo fared better than nearby communities. Flooding in Laguna Beach made national news, and a voluntary evacuation took place in San Juan Capistrano for residents along San Juan Creek after concrete walls washed away. In the Canyons, many people were stranded in their homes when creeks flooded and mud flowed into the streets. Modjeska Canyon’s water supply was interrupted after a boulder hit a water line.

A section of Mission Viejo northwest of the lake was without power for several hours, and traffic signals were knocked out along Alicia Parkway during rush hour on Wednesday evening. Fallen trees blocked traffic, and the police blotter reflects that a car ran into a tree that fell into the street at Felipe and Marguerite Pkwy. North of Los Alisos Blvd. near Trabuco, homeowners became concerned about slopes failing.

How long does the danger of slope failure continue after days of heavy rain? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the risk continues for weeks or months. Detailed maps (although Mission Viejo is not easy to find) showing areas susceptible to landslides can be viewed at http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of03-17