Sweetwater Authority Storm Preparedness

Sweetwater Authority is preparing for the potential impacts of a strong Super El Niño during the 2026 - 2027 winter season, including the possibility of above-average rainfall and increased flooding in Southern California.  

To prepare for changing conditions, Sweetwater Authority has activated a comprehensive preparedness and response plan focusing on protecting our communities within the service area, maintaining reliable water service and preparing reservoirs and critical infrastructure for significant storms. The Authority is closely monitoring weather forecasts and reservoir levels, reviewing dam safety and emergency response protocols, preparing backup power and coordinating with regional and state partners.  

An El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern defined by a warming of the water temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Low-level surface winds typically blow from east to west along the equator, but during an El Niño, they can weaken or even reverse direction

What is Sweetwater Authority doing to prepare?  

Sweetwater Authority has developed a preparedness and response plan for the anticipated 2026 Super El Niño event to protect the community and maintain reliable water service during significant storms.  

Sweetwater is preparing by:  

  • Monitoring weather forecasts and reservoir conditions 
  • Reviewing dam safety and emergency response protocols 
  • Preparing backup power to support critical operations 
  • Protecting critical water infrastructure  
  • Preparing communications for potentially affected customers 
  • Coordinating with regional and state emergency response partners 

These efforts build on Sweetwater Authority’s Emergency Action Plans for Sweetwater Main Dam and Sweetwater Falls (Loveland) Dam. These plans guide how the Authority would respond if an emergency affected either dam. 

Learn more about Sweetwater Authority’s emergency preparedness and response.

What could the Super El Niño potentially mean for our area?  

The Super El Niño could bring significant rainfall to our region, and the safety of our community is our highest priority. Sweetwater Authority is preparing for these potential impacts, which can include rising reservoir levels and flooding downstream. 

As part of its emergency planning, Sweetwater Authority, in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), has identified a potential downstream inundation zone for Sweetwater Reservoir and Loveland Reservoir. Inundation maps identify areas that could be affected in the event of a dam failure, water flowing over or spilling from a dam or a controlled emergency release. Dam failure is considered extremely unlikely. The maps should be considered emergency preparedness tools and do not indicate that a dam emergency is expected.  

Customers within identified inundation zones will receive information directly from Sweetwater Authority about potential risks and steps they can take to prepare.  

View the inundation zone prototype map.

How would I be notified in an emergency?  

Alert San Diego: In the unlikely event of an emergency affecting reservoirs within the Sweetwater Authority service area, the San Diego County Office of Emergency will issue emergency notifications through the Alert San Diego emergency notification system. Community members are encouraged to register for alerts by visiting Alert San Diego website.  

Sweetwater Authority SAFE Program: Sweetwater Authority customers are encouraged to register or update their contact information through the Sweetwater Authority Fast Emergency Contact Program (SAFE) to receive timely water-related information from the Authority during an emergency. 

How to prepare for the Super El Niño 

While current El Niño atmospheric weather patterns and impacts are classified as forecasts, residents in and around the inundation zone should be prepared for this event.  

The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services recommends taking the following steps when preparing for a disaster: 

  • Make a personal or family disaster plan. Identify how you will evacuate, where you will meet and how you will communicate if family members are separated. 
  • Sign up for AlertSanDiego. Register your cellphone and email to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation information and other urgent safety updates. 
  • Prepare an evacuation Go-Kit. Pack essential supplies you can quickly take with you if you need to leave your home. 
  • Prepare a shelter-in-place Stay Kit. Keep enough food, water, medications and other essential supplies at home in case you need to remain there during an emergency. 
  • Know the risks in your area. Review local emergency information and follow instructions from emergency officials if an evacuation warning or order is issued. 

For more information on disaster preparedness, including how to create an emergency plan and prepare evacuation and shelter-in-place kits, visit AlertSanDiego’s preparedness resources. 

Sweetwater Authority customers are encouraged to register or update their contact information through the Sweetwater Authority Fast Emergency Contact Program (SAFE) to receive timely notifications from the Authority during an emergency. 

El Niño Resources