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

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.