# Ominous crack opens in cliff beneath ritzy California hotel as powerful storms threaten battered coastline

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ominous-crack-opens-in-cliff-beneath-ritzy-california-hotel-as-powerful-storms-threaten-battered-coastline/
- Published: 2026-11-15T03:38:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T04:24:22+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/14/us-news/massive-crack-opens-in-coastal-bluff-below-ritz-carlton-in-dana-point/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- A crack has opened above Salt Creek Point trail.
- Storms and surf could worsen the bluff’s instability.
- Officials have not assessed the crack’s depth or resort risk.

## Summary

A large crack has opened in the coastal bluff below The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, overlooking a popular trail at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. The approaching storms and powerful surf could increase the risk of a collapse, putting trail users in danger and raising questions about the bluff’s stability.

The fissure was captured on video in mid-November, but officials have not confirmed its depth or whether the resort is at immediate risk. Orange County is also dealing with a separate erosion problem: a 360-foot crack beneath Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove led to lane closures and a $4 million stabilisation project. Forecasts warned of rain and gusty winds, followed by King Tides from 22 to 27 November that could further erode coastal bluffs.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.