Coastal trail hazards: cliff falls, sneaker waves, Hwy 1 closure, and coastal flood advisory
Key Questions
What recent coastal incidents have been reported in the San Francisco Bay Area?
A fisherman was swept off Baker Beach by a sneaker wave on May 28 and remains in critical condition. A 100-foot cliff fall at Lands End on Memorial Day caused traumatic injuries, a surfer died at Ocean Beach, and a young man died after falling from cliffs at Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz County around 1:30am.
What ocean and weather warnings are currently in effect along the coast?
A hazardous surf advisory is in effect through Saturday morning May 30 with a beach hazard statement through Tuesday. Blustery winds up to 40 mph and rough seas are expected, increasing sneaker wave risks, alongside a coastal flood advisory for Bay Shore areas that could bring up to 1.8 feet of water.
Why was Pacifica Pier closed?
The pier was closed due to a large crack, which also led to the closure of a local cafe. The City Council is scheduled to discuss the issue on Monday, and the community is rallying to save the structure before further damage occurs.
How is the Highway 1 closure in Pacifica affecting access?
The closure impacts coastal trail access to areas like Mori Point and Devil's Slide. It is part of ongoing live storm updates and is expected to last through the current weather event.
What safety tips are recommended for coastal visitors during these conditions?
Hikers should never turn their backs on the ocean, stay behind barriers, watch footing near cliffs especially at night, and avoid flooded bayshore trails. SFFD has issued public reminders about these hazards amid the overlapping risks of wind, waves, and flooding.
A fisherman was swept off Baker Beach by a sneaker wave on May 28 (critical condition), following a 100-foot cliff fall at Lands End on Memorial Day (traumatic injuries) and a surfer death at Ocean Beach. A new fatal cliff fall occurred at Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz County (young man died after falling halfway down a cliff around 1:30am). A hazardous surf advisory is in effect through Saturday morning (May 30). Beach hazard statement remains through Tuesday. Blustery gusts and rough seas are expected this weekend, with wind gusts up to 40 mph at the coast, further elevating sneaker wave risks. SFFD issued a public reminder. Pacifica pier closed due to a large crack; City Council to discuss Monday. A live storm update reports a Highway 1 closure in Pacifica, affecting coastal trail access (Mori Point, Devil's Slide). Additionally, a coastal flood advisory is now in effect for Bay Shore areas, with up to 1.8 feet of water possible—low-lying sections of the Bay Trail may be impassable. Hikers should never turn backs on ocean, stay behind barriers, watch footing near cliffs (especially at night), and avoid flooded bayshore trails. A new 'quadfecta' article consolidates these overlapping hazards with heat and fire risks.