Effects from El Niño are starting to feel like events from Jumanji. With the strongest El Niño on record, southern California is starting to have some unusual observations.

Kelvin Waves

You may not have heard about Kelvin waves, but the thing to know is they will be bringing higher surf and possibly raising sea level by 6-12 inches. These waves and other effects from El Niño could drastically alter the coastal areas, in particular in Cabrillo’s tidepools. Higher surf could impact where visitors can go in the coastal area, as well as increasing the potential for bluff collapses.

Sea Turtles

For the first time, a sea turtle, or turtles, have been observed on Huntington Beach in Orange County laying eggs on the beach.

Snakes

Also in Orange County, at Crystal Cove State Beach, rattlesnakes have been observed in the water as well as a venomous yellow-bellied sea snake.

What does this mean for Cabrillo?

Who knows, but it does mean for anyone in the tidepools, and actually all of Cabrillo, be mindful of weird things. Be extra cautious around the bluffs for possible collapses. Watch for possible unusual critters in the tidepools. Keep an extra eye on visitors to keep them safe.

El Niño could bring other terrestrial visitors to the park as well. Keep your eyes open and use iNaturalist for any unusual observations you may find.

Stay tuned and fasten your seatbelts for whatever El Niño will bring us this year. Be careful, cautious and observant.