A high tide flooded portions of the Palo Alto Baylands on Tuesday, quickly submerging areas that had been dry earlier in the day and surprising some visitors.
A high tide flooded portions of the Palo Alto Baylands on Tuesday, quickly submerging areas that had been dry earlier in the day and surprising some visitors.
Warning signs at the Baylands cautioned that tides could affect walking paths, but water levels were low around midday. Conditions changed as high tide arrived at about 1:15 p.m., with water covering areas that had been accessible just minutes earlier.
Chris Williams, who was visiting the Baylands Nature Preserve, said the sudden rise in water levels caught him off guard.
"I feel like I could go swimming right now. You know, I've never seen it this high," Williams said.
Williams said he noticed a dramatic change after stopping for lunch.
"I come back and everything's flooded. I had to check if was I here earlier today." he said.
Toby Goldberg of Environmental Volunteers said the unusually high water was influenced by tidal conditions and El Niño-related effects.
Goldberg said higher water levels are expected in the coming months, with king tides forecast in November, December and January.
"The king tides are predicted to be anywhere above nine feet. But because of the El Nino year, that could be almost ten feet this year," Goldberg said.
Goldberg said park officials are relying on a new living levee to help manage incoming water during its first El Niño season since construction.
"We're hoping that the horizontal levee is going to alleviate some of that challenge of the water coming in so quickly, being able to absorb some of the intake from the storm as well," Goldberg said.
Despite those measures, flooding is still expected at times. Visitors are encouraged to check tide conditions and consult city information before heading to the preserve, as conditions can change rapidly.
