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Storms Peel Aging Concrete From Santa Monica Channel, Capacity Cut 15%

County crews continue monitoring during rain, pending debris removal and post-storm wall inspections.

Overview

  • LA County Public Works says the slabs are a sacrificial concrete overlay installed in the 1970s that peeled away during heavy flows.
  • Piles collected near the Rustic Canyon confluence, trimming channel capacity by roughly 15% according to Councilmember Traci Park.
  • Crews will leave debris in place during the current storm and plan a detailed wall inspection once conditions clear.
  • The department reported debris at four sites after an inspection and said there is no risk to public safety as monitoring continues.
  • Another 0.25 to 1 inch of rain is forecast through Thursday before a break, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid the channel.