The Scorpion Pier on Santa Cruz Island is closed temporarily until
damages caused by the high surf last Friday are fully assessed and
repaired. The island will remain open to visitation. Landings at
Scorpion Anchorage will be beach landings via skiff until the pier
reopens.
Storm surge and high waves inundated Scorpion Anchorage last Friday,
causing flooding in the valley, road damage to the pier access road,
and damage to the pier decking, concrete abutment, and metal frame.
The Scorpion Pier is a flatbed railcar that was installed as a
temporary pier in 2000 and has been deteriorating due to wave action
and saltwater. The park plans to replace the existing pier in
approximately three years.
Scorpion Anchorage is the most visited destination in the park, with
over 55,000 people coming ashore each year to enjoy recreational
activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and
swimming.
The high surf also caused minor damage to both the Prisoners Pier on
Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Barbara Island landing dock. Repairs
at each of these landings are underway. Public access was restored at
Prisoners Harbor on Sunday and Santa Barbara Island landing is
expected to be open by the end of the week.
