PALM SPRINGS — A partial assessment has been completed regarding damages sustained to the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the Valentine’s Day storm that pummeled the area.

The city of Palm Springs received  3.69 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. It was the soggiest  day in Palm Springs in 76 years.

Meantime, visitors are being turned away. Every tourist turned away is a hit to the Tramway’s bottom line as well as the local economy. The devastation and closure is drawing down thousands of dollars in revenue every day it’s closed.

Tramway Damage Assessment Partially CompleteOn average, the ever-popular tramway seduces 3,500 people daily during holiday weekends and anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 on normal days.

As of Tuesday, Feb. 19, the assessment revealed  that:

  • The power line at the Valley Station feeding electricity to the Mountain Station was severed resulting in damage to one of the Valley Station’s electrical panels, according to a News Release. The Mountain Station continues to operate on generator power only.
  • Debris removal of boulders, foliage and logs from the Valley Station and roadway continues, according to the release.
  • Several of the Tram’s nine parking lots sustained minor asphalt damage.
  • The culvert at the damaged portion of Tram Way is currently filled with mud and debris. Once cleared and stream run-off is returned to the culvert, road repairs can proceed.
  • The Mountain Station sustained only minor water damage and clean-up efforts will commence once road access is possible.
  • Tramway systems were inspected including engine room and towers, and no damage has been found.
  • The Tramway’s civil engineer has inspected roadway bridges and certified them structurally sound.
  • There are currently no time estimates for completion of the aforementioned items. Updates will be announced as available.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram’s 80-passenger cars travel along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes.

For more information, please call 888.515.TRAM or 760.325.1391, or visit them by clicking here. Also, download the free mobile tour now available in the App Store/Google Play.

Image Sources

  • Palm Springs Aerial Tram: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway