Lake Manager Message
A VERY mild winter season (punctuated by a brutal storm in January) is making many members anxious to get out on the lake early this year. Sorry ice fishermen, the relatively few days you had probably didn’t satisfy, but we’ll keep a good thought for next winter!
As the main season comes on, our water conditions remain challenging. While water quality remains high, lake levels continue to hover 12-18 below normal. Low rainfall and snowfall amount(s) over the winter helped some, but not enough to get us back to where we should be in April-May. We’re hoping for a wet, spring season. Again, this year, members are encouraged to pay close attention during boat launch and docking operations. This will be especially true at the main boat ramp next to the beach. As many of you will remember, we had some 5 stone placed at the end of the ramp, to help reduce the potential for trailer ‘drop off’. Please be very careful as you launch and recover your boats at this location. We continue to highly encourage the use of the West End boat ramp. Updates on the condition and use of our main boat ramp will be posted to our website, as necessary.
Several of you have been asking questions about the changes and increases in staffing we’re working on for 2024. Our Board has recognized the need to begin building some depth and continuity for the key positions related to operating our Association. We believe members have a strong desire for a safe lake and grounds, efficient and friendly administration, and effective management of the many resources that go into making Sun Valley Lake the premier, private lake of Iowa. Achieving those outcomes means finding high-caliber talent and developing their knowledge, skills, and abilities. We’re continuing to look for a few more of the ‘best’, with the goal of providing every member an environment and an investment that they will be proud to own and use for years to come.
There are many improvements to come in 2024, despite the challenges we’ve been forced to address in the last year. With your support, we hope to continue a strong pattern of developing our amenities and keeping our lake clean and safe for all Sun Valley members. We look forward to seeing all of you at the lake very soon!
Gene Smith SVILA Manager
Sunvalleylakemgr@gmail.com