San Diego’s troubled reservoirs brace for ‘Super’ El Niño. How the city is addressing downstream risks
San Diego is preparing two aging, water-level-restricted reservoirs for a potentially historic “Super” El Niño. Lake Hodges and Lake Murray both pose an “extremely high” downstream hazard if they fail, but each faces different risks. Hodges has limited storage and a large watershed, while Murray receives little runoff. The city plans to actively manage Hodges ahead of storms, while keeping Murray below its state-imposed restriction.
‘Super’ El Niño and San Diego – what scientists know now and what else they hope to learn
San Diego is preparing for a potentially historic “Super” El Niño, but scientists say the strength of the event does not necessarily mean the region will see historic rainfall. Scripps Institution of Oceanography researchers say El Niño could bring wetter weather, bigger surf, coastal flooding and warmer ocean temperatures, but its effects on San Diego remain difficult to predict. As forecast models point to an unusually strong event, city officials are preparing for possible flooding and other impacts this winter.