Dear Sudden Valley Residents,

With significant snowfall possible over the next week, our snow removal teams will actively work to keep roads safe and accessible.

We will post updates on road conditions on SuddenValley.com and duplicate these announcements on the Sudden Valley Facebook page. The SVCA Hotline is also used to communicate road condition updates during weather events. You can reach the hotline by calling 360-746-7010. eBlasts are also used to alert the community when severe weather is expected. Visit forecast.weather.gov for the most up-to-date forecast information.

In addition, ice melt can be purchased at the Sudden Valley Welcome Center at 1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd. We are open Mon-Fri, 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

Please review the following cautions, tips, and advisories to help ensure a smooth and efficient operation:

🚧 Snow Removal Operations & Safety

✅ Plowing Schedule – Main roads will be cleared first, followed by secondary roads and then residential roads. Please be patient as crews work through priority routes. For a full list of Sudden Valley roads and their designations, please see the Snow Response Plan Street List and the full Snow Response Plan Street Map.
✅ Keep Roads Clear – Park vehicles in driveways, not on streets or mailbox sites, to allow plows full access. Vehicles left in roadways or in front of mailboxes may be towed.
✅ Snow Berms & Driveways – Plowing may create berms at driveway entrances. Residents are responsible for clearing their own driveways. Avoid shoveling snow back into the road.

🚨 Winter Safety Tips

🔹 Drive Cautiously – Roads may be icy. Use snow tires or chains as needed, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall.
🔹 Emergency Preparedness – Keep extra food, water, blankets, and flashlights in case of power outages.
🔹 Watch for Ice Patches – Black ice can form even after plowing. Walk and drive carefully.
🔹 Check on Neighbors – Look out for elderly or vulnerable residents who may need assistance with snow removal or supplies.

🛑 Important Reminders

🚫 No Pushing Snow into Roads – Doing so creates hazards and may result in fines.
🚫 Garbage Collection Delays – Expect potential delays in waste pickup due to weather conditions. Secure bins properly.
🚫 Stay Updated – Check the Sudden Valley Community Association website and social media for real-time updates on road conditions and plowing schedules.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to keep our community safe and accessible. If you have urgent concerns, please contact the SVCA office at (360) 734-6430. For additional information on Sudden Valley snow removal, please see the updated Snow Response Plan 2024-2025.

Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s get through this winter together! ❄️

— Sudden Valley Community Association 🚜

The Sudden Valley Community Center will be closed January 21st & 22nd 2025 for painting. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Welcome Center and Golf Course will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Fitness Center will be staffed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, but closed on Christmas Day. All facilities will reopen on Thursday, December 26th. Happy holidays, and safe travels!

The Welcome Center, Fitness Center, and Golf Course will all be closed on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, November 28th. The Fitness Center and Golf Course will re-open on Friday, November 29th, but the Welcome Center will remain closed until the following Monday, December 2nd.

SVCA has been working since Tuesday night to clear the roads and remove hazardous trees. At this time, all roads are open. Maintenance is currently evaluating trees that have been reported to Administration as potentially hazardous and removing them, if indicated. Once all hazard trees are removed, we will turn our attention to cleanup. SVCA’s Maintenance Team is being assisted by local tree removal companies so that we can quickly respond to emergency situations.

The amount of damage to Sudden Valley homes caused by Tuesday’s windstorm is astronomical. Unfortunately, it does not reach the threshold needed to get access to Federal or State emergency funds, such as FEMA. SVCA is working with Whatcom County and with national volunteer groups to get assistance for homeowners. To get help, please follow the directions given below.

A Tree is Threatening Your Property and it’s on SVCA Property

If a tree is threatening your property and you believe it is located on SVCA property, please fill out a Tree Trimming or Removal Request (available online) and send it to office@suddenvalley.com. Click HERE for the form. If you can’t print the form, we have paper copies available at the Welcome Center, 1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd, just inside Gate 2.

A Tree is Threatening Your Property and it’s on a Neighbor’s Property

Get in touch with your neighbor about the tree immediately. If they don’t live on the property, contact SVCA Administration for help finding their contact information.

Your Home was Damaged

If your home was damaged, please contact your insurance company immediately. Also contact SVCA Administration if the damage is severe and you need help. We can put you in touch with local assistance groups once we know what kind of help you need.

If You Need Help Clearing Debris

Beginning December 2^nd, SVCA will clear debris that is brought to the roadside, just as we do during Firewise. This time, however, we are not limiting the debris to 8” or less in diameter. We will clear all debris piled next to the road. If you need help getting debris to the roadside, please call Administration. We are working with a national group, Team Rubicon, to get onsite help for individual homeowners.

You can reach SVCA Administration at 360-734-6430. Phones are staffed between 8am and 5pm, but you can leave a message at any time.

There are many downed trees throughout the Association from Tuesday night’s windstorm. SVCA Maintenance teams worked through the night to be sure that first responders could reach the properties where emergencies had been reported. Maintenance and Turfcare staff have been working since the early morning to clear the roads. All primary and secondary roads are now passable and the remaining residential roads should be open by mid-afternoon today (Wednesday). Once all the roads are open, crews will start to remove leaning or downed trees from alongside the roadways.

If you are aware of trees on SVCA property that pose a threat, please report them to Administration as soon as possible. Phones are not working, but should be restored this afternoon. You can also email us at office@suddenvalley.com.

Many homes have been damaged by falling trees and limbs. Homeowners are responsible for clearing downed trees/limbs from their property. SVCA will work with Whatcom County to organize a project to remove debris. At this time, residents are advised to pile chippable debris less than 8″ in diameter at the roadside, being careful not to block the road or the drainage ditches. Debris that is more than 8″ in diameter should be piled separately.

Street sweeping will begin today, Monday, November 18, and continue for 3-4 days. During this time, Sudden Valley Maintenance will drive street sweepers through each gate and clear the roads of leaves and debris. Maintenance will start with Gates 2 and 5, followed by Gate 1, and then Gates 3, 5 and 13.

Please drive carefully!

Join your neighbors on Saturday, October 19th, between 3 and 5 PM for an informal Meet & Greet with the candidates running for office. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get to know each candidate personally. The event will be held in the Dance Barn on the second floor of the Community Center at 8 Barn View Drive inside Gate 2. Light refreshments will be served. We hope you will join us!

SVCA’s Board of Directors approved the virtual participation of community members in meetings at the September 12th meeting. Members who would like to make a comment during the Homeowner Comment portion of the agenda can do so via Zoom. The attendee link can be found on the Board of Directors page on SuddenValley.com. The link is also given here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86704997445

Meetings will continue to be livestreamed on YouTube for those members who prefer to watch the meetings without participating. Members are also welcome to participate in person; beginning Thursday, September 26th, meetings of he Board will be held in Multipurpose Room A on the first floor of the Community Center (8 Barn View Court).