Eaton Canyon is not a natural area that is known for its excess water. The canyon, along with the rest of the southwestern United States, is situated underneath a powerful subtropical high pressure system from May through October which prevents nearly all rainstorms from reaching the region. It is an infrequent occurrence for Eaton Creek to extend itself all the way through the wash and to the first river crossing near the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Rainfall during the winter months is very important for the canyon ecosystem, with the first storms of the season always setting off new opportunities for life to flourish. All native plants and animals are adapted to drought in the canyon, but that doesn’t mean a drier than average winter isn’t going to be tough for our local ecosystems.
The 2022-2023 water year is off to a great start for Eaton Canyon, with Eaton Dam currently reporting 7.93″ of rainfall from October 1, 2022 through the present date. According to the National Weather Service Oxnard, this part of Southern California averages just about 3.00″ of precipitation through mid-December, so we’re doing significantly better than average. All of this extra rainfall has helped plant life in the canyon come out of dormancy, with green grasses overspreading many of our gently sloped hills in the backcountry portion of the park. The rainfall has also boosted water levels in the creek, with many residents already making their way to the waterfall to snap some photographs. Dry, warm weather is expected during the second half of December, so get out there and enjoy the damp park while you can!