Westmont Magazine Weathering a Record-Breaking Storm

A series of atmospheric rivers dropped much-needed rain on the Santa Barbara area from December through March. The precipitation filled Lake Cachuma and other local reservoirs and nearly doubled the average rain-fall for a season. Cachuma spilled for the first time in a decade.

On January 9, the biggest rain storm produced a gush of water through the campus, and students took photos of the roaring creek. Officials ordered evacuations in Montecito, but students sheltered in place, as Westmont has been designated as a safe place during heavy rain. Some areas of the college, including a few classrooms in Adams Center for the Visual Arts, experienced minor flooding. Staff from physical plant dried up the water and fixed any damage. The rain has left the campus unusually lush and green and the community thankful for God’s provision and blessing.

As of April, California ended drought restrictions, and residents anticipate a blooming spring throughout the state, including in the nearby hills.