Another atmospheric river hits CA . . .storm drainage lessons we can take away . . .

A long time ago San Diego looked like Portland. Evergreen trees lining hills and valleys. Weather patterns changed and alternating patterns of torrential rain and flooding combined with frequent droughts left the landscape a desert.  Such is the future of the Pacific Northwest.  As floods from atmospheric rivers hit Southern California they also strafe the western flanks of Oregon and Washington. Portland get overwhelmed with rain water that most of our storm water drainage systems are ill-equipped to handle.  Trees fall, ground water levels rise and then basements leak. Surface water pools because soil layers close to the surface are composed of glacial till, clay and dense volcanic debris layers that trap water above them.  In Southern California a lot of the soils were washed into the ocean a long time ago.  There is little but rock underneath fine unstable silt. Flash flooding occurs because there is little to no surface dispersion.  Hence, vast canal systems exist in paved-over landscapes that have little capacity to absorb heavy deluges. Massive public works are needed as well as requirements and systems for private land owners.

Are trees falling down on your property?  Surface pooling?  Basement leaking? Please contact PNW Drain Pros to navigate towards a solution that is cost effective and environmentally sustainable.