Monterey County · Winter Storm Readiness · CA LIC #1060838
Is Your Monterey County Property Ready for This Winter's Storms?
Monterey County's coastal terrain brings its own storm risks — runoff that overwhelms drainage systems, hillsides that lose stability after heavy rain, and low-lying areas prone to flooding. With a strong El Niño storm season expected, DW Excavation is helping Monterey County property owners prepare before the rain arrives.
Before the rain arrives
Schedule a Storm Readiness Assessment
We'll look at your drainage, slopes, and flood exposure and tell you what needs attention before the storms hit.
707-601-9091 Or send us a message →CA LIC #1060838 · Licensed & Insured · Established 2013
Coastal Terrain, Fast Runoff, Low-Lying Flood Risk
In March 2023, a levee breach along the Pajaro River sent floodwaters through the community of Pajaro, forcing evacuations and leaving homes and farmland underwater for days. It was a stark reminder that Monterey County's low-lying valleys and coastal terrain carry real flood risk when storms hit hard.
We've worked across Monterey County's coastal and inland terrain for over a decade, and we've seen firsthand how differently storm damage shows up here compared to inland regions — runoff moving fast down hillsides, drainage systems built for a different era, and low-lying farmland and neighborhoods that flood quickly when rivers and creeks rise. With a strong storm pattern expected again this winter, we're encouraging property owners across Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, Marina, and the Pajaro Valley to look at their drainage, slopes, and flood exposure now.
Homes and farmland underwater for days
Get Your Property Ready — By Service
Drainage Solutions & Stormwater Management
Monterey County's coastal terrain creates a different kind of drainage problem than inland regions — steep runoff paths, aging stormwater systems, and low-lying areas that fill quickly when heavy rain arrives faster than it can drain. A few things worth checking before storms hit:
- Runoff cutting new paths across yards or driveways
- Storm drains or ditches that are already slow to clear after normal rain
- Low-lying areas near creeks, sloughs, or farmland that have flooded before
We design and install drainage systems — grading, catch basins, French drains, and stormwater management — built for Monterey County's coastal and valley terrain, not a one-size plan.
Water Management →Erosion Control & Hillside/Slope Stabilization
Heavy rain moving down Monterey County's hillsides and coastal bluffs can undercut slopes fast, especially where vegetation has been disturbed or drainage hasn't been addressed.
Our team evaluates slope stability, runoff paths, and vegetation to identify where erosion is most likely to start, then puts erosion control measures in place — retaining structures, regrading, or drainage rerouting — before a slope becomes a real hazard.
Erosion Control →Flood Cleanup & Site Recovery
The 2023 Pajaro flooding showed how quickly low-lying Monterey County properties near rivers, sloughs, and farmland can be affected when storm systems stack up.
When flooding does happen, we handle flood cleanup and site recovery — removing displaced soil and debris, regrading affected land, and repairing drainage that couldn't keep up with the storm.
Excavation Services →Driveway & Access Road Washout Repair
A washed-out driveway or access road is one of the most common calls we get after a heavy storm — and one of the most disruptive for coastal and rural Monterey County properties, where a single access point often connects the property to the road.
We repair and regrade washed-out driveways and access roads, and rebuild them with better drainage where it makes sense, so the same washout doesn't happen again.
Grading Services →
Why DW Excavation
DW Excavation, LLC is a licensed California general engineering contractor (CA LIC #1060838) based in Windsor, founded by Dallas Wohlfeil in 2013. Our team has worked across Monterey County's coastal and inland terrain for over a decade, so storm and drainage work here isn't guesswork — it's work we understand from direct, local experience. When you call, you're talking with the team that will actually be on site, not a dispatcher.
- CA LIC #1060838
- Established 2013
- Coastal & Inland Terrain
- Owner-Operated
Where We Work
We serve Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, Marina, the Pajaro Valley, and surrounding Monterey County communities. Storm and flood work is part of the broader site work we do across the county — see our Monterey County service area page for the full scope.
Storm & Flood FAQ
Questions we hear most often from Monterey County property owners heading into a wet winter.
📞 Still have questions?Call us directly
Why does my property flood during heavy storms? +
In Monterey County, it often comes down to a mix of low-lying terrain and drainage systems that weren't built for extreme storm events. Runoff moving down hillsides or slow-draining low areas near rivers, sloughs, or farmland can flood quickly once heavy rain sets in.
Do I need a permit for grading or drainage work in Monterey County? +
Monterey County requires a grading permit for any cut or fill over 100 cubic yards. We handle permit questions as part of our process so projects don't get held up.
How do I know if my slope or hillside is at risk? +
Warning signs include cracks in the soil, leaning trees or fence posts, and water pooling at the base of the slope after rain. If you're seeing any of these, it's worth having it looked at before the next storm.
What does flood cleanup and site recovery involve? +
It typically includes removing displaced soil and debris, regrading affected areas, and repairing or rebuilding drainage that didn't hold up during the storm.
What areas do you serve? +
We serve Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, Marina, the Pajaro Valley, and surrounding Monterey County communities.
What should I do if my driveway or access road washed out? +
Contact us directly at 707-601-9091 — we can assess the damage and repair or regrade the area, often improving the drainage so it holds up better next time.
Get Ahead of
This Winter.
Monterey County's storm seasons don't wait for anyone to be ready. If you'd like a second set of eyes on your drainage, slopes, or flood exposure before this winter, contact DW Excavation at 707-601-9091 or through our contact page.