Facilities Services has begun preparing UC Riverside for the potential effects of a strengthening El Niño climate pattern this winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, forecasts an 83% chance that strong conditions will continue through March. Although El Niño cannot predict a specific storm, the forecast gives the university another reason to ensure its infrastructure is ready.
Every year, Facilities Services begins its winter preparations in October, a process that the current El Niño has brought into sharper focus. Teams from Maintenance Services and Landscape Services collaborate to inspect and clean the roofs on every building on the main campus, removing hundreds of pounds of debris. They inspect and service storm drains, hydro-jetting the lines to clear out silt and leaves that can cause blockages.
"We always plan for rain," says Joe Dyer, Director of Maintenance Services. "But with the possibility for a high volume of rain, we've taken greater care in servicing the storm drains earlier."
This proactive work is informed by past experiences. Lessons learned from major storms, like the one in December 2010 that flooded the Botanic Gardens, have led to significant infrastructure improvements. For example, after recurring floods at the Geology Building, Facilities Services installed new, larger channel drains to prevent water from backing up. "We've learned a lot," notes Toshio Ishida, Director of Landscape Services. "There are always new buildings going up, or old buildings stop working so it’s an ongoing challenge."
Coordination is central to the university's strategy. From custodial and landscape crews to plumbers and electricians, the teams monitor forecasts and inspect known trouble spots. The department keeps about 1,200 sandbags in stock and has purchased innovative "Quick Dam" bags that activate with water to create an instant barrier.
The planning extends beyond Facilities Services. Since August, the Office of Emergency Management, led by Director Andy Flores, has worked with campus leadership to coordinate a campus-wide response. The office is partnering with the UCR Police Department to use drones to survey vulnerable areas before and after major storms, including the wash basin behind Glen Mor and the Big Springs area. The footage will establish baseline conditions and help the university document damage for potential state or FEMA reimbursement.
Risk Management is also reviewing historical data to identify problem areas and determine where crews can redirect water. The department is compiling a list of primary building contacts who can report storm-related damage, allowing the university to track impacts across campus and potentially consolidate insurance claims. Building contacts who can help report storm-related damage and coordinate the university’s response should email emergency@ucr.edu to join Risk Management’s distribution list.
For the campus community, Facilities Services offers simple guidance. Report leaks, flooding or fallen branches immediately. During severe weather, avoid standing water and follow official campus communications. Departments that need supplies such as sandbags should contact Facilities Services directly before making separate purchases.
Departments preparing for El Niño should contact Facilities Services before purchasing supplies such as sandbags. Facilities Services maintains storm-related supplies for campus and can coordinate resources more efficiently than individual colleges or departments making separate purchases.
How you can help: Report leaks, flooding, supply needs and other storm-related concerns by submitting a work order through facilities.ucr.edu, calling (951) 827-4214 or emailing facilities@ucr.edu. Use the UCR Safe app to report safety concerns, stay alert to changing conditions and monitor campus communications for updates and instructions.
El Niño may affect the season, but UCR prepares for winter weather every year. By completing maintenance early, coordinating across departments and responding quickly to problems, Facilities Services helps keep the campus safe and operating smoothly.