The High Desert Region delivered an extraordinary emergency response to severe storms that struck between Christmas Eve and January 3rd. These storms brought record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding to mountain and desert communities. In an inspiring show of dedication, staff from our Barstow Yard and Trona Yard volunteered on Christmas Day to assist the Baldy Mesa Yard during this overwhelming event. Their commitment ensured critical support when it was needed most.
The Wrightwood area alone received 10.18 inches of rain within 12 hours, causing extreme flooding, mudflow, and road washouts. Despite the challenges and holiday timing, Public Works Operations crews worked around the clock to safeguard residents, restore critical access, and stabilize vulnerable infrastructure.
- Wrightwood Community
- Cleared 6–7 feet of mud and debris from Lone Pine Canyon Rd overnight on Christmas Eve to regain emergency access.
- Stabilized Cardinal Rd with 800 tons of riprap after Swarthout Creek floodwaters breached channel banks.
- Removed debris to maintain natural flow paths, to open roads and regain access to severely impacted homes and mitigated damage in the Acorn Canyon area along Acorn Dr and Pine St despite lack of drainage infrastructure.
- Removed mud and debris at Mill, Lark, and Edna intersections to open roads and regain access to severely impacted homes.
- Phelan & Pinon Hills
- Excavated 8 feet of debris from under Phelan Rd Bridge and installed protective measures on December 26 to brace for additional storms through the New Year.
- Stabilized erosion at Oasis Rd at the Aqueduct Crossing and redirected storm flows away from homes near Duncan/Bear Valley Rd.
- Oak Hills, Hesperia & Baldy Mesa
- Cleared 4–5 feet of mud from Summit Valley Rd, also imported 1,340 tons of material to repair severe shoulder erosion and reopen the road.
- Restored access on Mesquite Rd and Escondido Ave after clearing 4 feet of mud and debris.
- Additional Damages Mitigated During Storms Throughout Yard 11
- Addressed widespread shoulder erosion throughout all affected areas, imported 7,367 tons of material to repair extreme erosions throughout Yard 11.
- Repaired dirt road erosion, cleared mud, and filled severe potholes caused by extreme rainfall and flooding.
- Implemented temporary stabilization measures to maintain access and prevent further roadway deterioration.
During the holiday storms, the High Desert Team worked tirelessly with a 24-hour emergency response effort to restore safety for thousands of residents. Crews reopened critical emergency routes and cleared closed roadways to ensure public safety. Temporary stabilization measures were implemented to protect key infrastructure and prevent further damage. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and permanent reconstruction and preventive upgrades will continue throughout 2026.
A special thanks to all the Operations Staff who worked through the Christmas and New Year holidays to help protect our communities.
Oasis Rd @ Aqueduct – Temporary Repairs
Guardrail replacement and permanent asphalt repairs planned for 2026.
Phelan Rd @ Sheep Creek Channel – Temporary Repairs
Permanent repairs to the bridge deck and guardrail planned for 2026.
Cardinal Rd @ Swarthout Creek – Temporary Repairs
Permanent repairs planned for 2026
Cardinal Rd @ Swarthout Creek – Temporary Repairs
Permanent repairs planned for 2026
Pine St. @ Irene St. – Erosion Repaired
Mockingbird Rd @ Pine St. – Mud and Debris removal
Acorn Rd – Erosion repaired
