Over the past year, the Board of Directors has continued to work diligently on the Lake Coving Repair Project, one of the most significant infrastructure projects facing our community. We appreciate the patience, understanding, and input we have received from members as we move through the planning process.
As previously communicated in the Breeze and Deep Dive Newsletter in May 2025, the Board adopted a multi-year approach to address the repair and replacement of deteriorated lake coving around the lake perimeter. This approach was selected to provide the Association with sufficient time to properly evaluate repair options, secure competitive bids, develop financing strategies, and allow homeowners adequate time to prepare for the temporary impacts associated with lake lowering activities.
Since that announcement, additional work has been completed to better understand the scope of the project and the challenges involved. The Board continues to evaluate engineering information, repair methodologies, projected costs, and financing alternatives to ensure that any decisions made are in the best long-term interests of the Association and its members.
The Board’s objective remains the same as when the project was first announced: to protect the lake, preserve property values, and maintain one of Spring Valley Lake’s most important community assets in a fiscally responsible manner.
The Board recognizes that lowering the lake affects many aspects of community life, including recreation, boating, waterfront access, and property use. For this reason, we remain committed to providing advance notice and regular updates as milestones are reached. Updates will be provided through the Breeze, Deep Dive Newsletter, Board meetings, and the Association website as additional information becomes available.
Projected Timeline for Phase One
Vessel Slip Relocation Begins – August 15, 2026
Mandatory Vessel Removal – October 1, 2026
Emergency Site Walks Begin – October 2, 2026
Emergency Repairs – November 1-30, 2026
Project Bid Site Walks – November 30-December 23, 2026
Lake Refill Begins – January 1, 2027
Lake Returns to Normal Level (Estimated) – April 13, 2027
Important Information
All Dates are Approximate and Subject to Change due to Weather, Water Availability, Contractor Scheduling, or Unforeseen Circumstances.
All Boats, Watercraft, and Floating Docks MUST be Removed or Properly Secured by the Required Deadline. This is for Protection of your Property.
The Association is NOT Responsible for Damage to Vessels, Docks, Lifts, or Other Personal Property that Remains in the Lake during the Lowering Process.
Homeowners who Reside on Lake Fingers should Anticipate that these areas will likely become completely dry during portions of the project.
During the Lake Lowering, Vessels may be stored temporarily in Residential Driveways.
Beginning September 30, 2026, non-powered watercraft – including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and similar vessels – will NOT be permitted on the Lake for Safety Reasons.
Phase One Updates
At its August 25, 2026 Open Session meeting, the Board of Directors temporarily paused the Lake Lowering Project while additional project requirements and outstanding concerns are reviewed.
The Board remains committed to moving the project forward; however, it is important that the appropriate engineering oversight, contractors, project coordination, and staff resources are in place before work proceeds.
At its September 22, 2026 Open Session meeting, the Board of Directors set the new date for the Lake Lowering project as October 1, 2026. During this time, the Lake will be lowered 60 inches to assess the shoreline for damage assessment and emergency repairs. These assessments will be handled via drone, during the months of November and December.
Important Dates:
October 1, 2026 – Lake begins lowering by 1inch per day
October 12, 2026 – Entire lake becomes a 5mph zone
October 19, 2026 – All powered vessels MUST be removed from the lake
Lake Lowering Project Update
Updated Tentative Project Schedule
Spring Valley Lake Association would like to provide the membership with an updated tentative schedule for the 2026–2027 Lake Lowering and Repair Project. The lake lowering process began on October 1, 2026, with the water level being reduced at approximately one inch per day. As the water level continues to decrease, the Association will be conducting professional assessments, documenting exposed conditions, and identifying areas that may require emergency repair.
Upcoming Project Milestones
October 1, 2026 – Lake Lowering Begins
The lake lowering process began at an anticipated rate of approximately one inch per day.
October 9, 2026 – Professional Assessments
Two on-site assessments are currently scheduled. These assessments will assist the Association in evaluating existing conditions and identifying areas that may require further investigation or repair as the water level continues to decrease.
October 12, 2026 – Entire Lake Becomes a 5 MPH Zone
Beginning October 12, the entire lake will be restricted to a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Lake users are asked to observe the reduced speed requirement for everyone’s safety and to protect vessels and lake improvements as water levels decline.
October 19, 2026 – Powered Vessel Removal Deadline
All powered vessels must be removed from the lake no later than October 19, 2026. Owners should plan accordingly and should not wait until the final day to remove their vessels.
October 27–30, 2026 – Aerial Drone Documentation
Aerial drone footage is scheduled to be captured during this period. The footage will assist with documenting exposed areas and conditions throughout the lake.
November 1–30, 2026 – Emergency Repair Period
Based upon the conditions identified through inspections, engineering assessments, and documentation, the Association anticipates addressing any potential emergency repairs during November.
The scope and timing of repairs will depend upon the conditions discovered as the lake is lowered and the recommendations received from the appropriate professionals.
January 1, 2027 – Anticipated Lake Refill Begins
The current tentative schedule calls for the lake refill process to begin on or around January 1, 2027.
April 13, 2027 – Estimated Return to Normal Lake Level
Based upon current projections, the lake is estimated to return to its normal operating level by approximately April 13, 2027.
Why We Are Doing This
The lake lowering provides the Association with an important opportunity to inspect areas that are normally underwater, document existing conditions, identify areas requiring immediate attention, and obtain professional recommendations regarding appropriate repairs. This process is intended to help the Board make informed decisions based upon the actual conditions observed as the lake level decreases.
Please Remember: This Schedule Is Tentative
The dates above represent the Association’s current anticipated project schedule and are subject to change. Lake conditions, weather, professional recommendations, the extent of repairs identified, contractor availability, and other circumstances may affect the timing of individual project milestones and the eventual refill schedule.
The Association will continue providing updates to the membership as the project progresses and additional information becomes available. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this important project. Below is the flyer for this project.
Your Board of Directors
Spring Valley Lake Association
Phase Two – September 2027
- Planned lake lowering for implementation of major repair work.
- depending upon final project costs, available funding, and contractor recommendations, repairs may be completed in phases if necessary.