A troubling crack has opened along a coastal bluff beneath one of California’s most luxurious resorts, raising concerns that approaching storms could trigger a collapse onto a popular beachside trail.
The fissure is located directly below The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, in Dana Point, overlooking the busy Salt Creek Point trail. Hundreds of beachgoers, walkers and surfers use the route each day.
Local videographer Craig Whetter, of Breaking Even TV, recorded the fracture in mid-November, showing a pronounced split in the bluff above Salt Creek Beach.
“There is a new crack in town, ladies and gentlemen, and it lives right above that Salt Creek Point trail,” Whetter said in the video. “It’s right above a very, very popular walkway that people use all day… it’s putting a lot of people in danger.”
With atmospheric rivers approaching, heavy rain and powerful surf have residents and surfers concerned that the unstable bluff could give way.
Rain could seep into the opening, saturating the soil and increasing the weight of the bluff. At the same time, strong waves could erode the sand supporting its base.
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The trail below leads to several popular surf breaks, including the Point, Middles and Gravels.
Officials have not released a geological assessment establishing how deep the crack is or determining whether the luxury resort above is facing an immediate structural threat.
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The latest warning comes as Orange County confronts another serious coastal erosion problem.
In October, a fissure measuring about 360 feet long and 2 feet wide opened beneath Pacific Coast Highway near El Morro at Crystal Cove State Park.
The damage led to southbound lane closures and prompted a $4 million emergency stabilization effort. Crews used massive sandbags and tarps to protect the historic beach cottages below.
The National Weather Service initially forecast rain and gusty winds for Orange County beginning Friday, while additional coastal impacts remained possible.
Forecasters also issued a warning about King Tides expected from Nov. 22 through Nov. 27. The unusually high water levels could accelerate erosion at the base of already vulnerable coastal bluffs.
