Internet Line Down on Lake Whatcom Blvd 1/12/26 — Update: Lake Whatcom Blvd Open

Due to a fallen internet line on Lake Whatcom Blvd, the phones and internet are out at the Welcome Center as of 1/12/26 at 8:30AM. Lake Whatcom Blvd south of Lake Louise Rd is also closed while PSE work on fixing the fallen line. We will continue to post updates as needed.

Update: Lake Whatcom Blvd is open as of 9AM. We are expecting internet service at the Welcome Center by midday.

Update: As of 4PM 1/12/26, internet and phone lines are back up and working. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Community Center Closed

The Community Center at 8 Barn View Drive has been closed early because of the potential for flooding. There is no flooding at this time. The water level of Austin Creek may rise tonight, however, so we are placing sandbags at the ground floor entrances to protect the building. These sandbags prevent safe entry into the building, so previously scheduled programs have been canceled.

The Community Center will re-open at 9 am on Thursday, unless there is flooding. This post will be updated on Thursday morning to make members aware of conditions in the recreation corridor.

Cougar Sightings in Sudden Valley

Recently there have been cougar sightings reported in Sudden Valley. The presence of wild animals, such as cougars and bears, is expected in Sudden Valley, and usually causes no issues.

If you see a cougar or bear and are concerned about it, please call the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) at 360-902-2936 and report the sighting. If the DFW receives multiple reports of an animal behaving dangerously, they may decide to relocate it.

Please note: wildlife is managed by the DFW; SVCA supports their effort by enforcing the Association’s rule prohibiting the feeding of wild animals. Learn more about how to coexist peacefully with wildlife at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats.

Lake Louise Trail Water Damage

The Lake Louise walking path has been damaged by high water levels in the lake. This occurred because the work being done to repair the dam gate has made it challenging to drain enough water to keep the water level at its usual level.

At this time, drainage has been restored and the level is dropping. The path is still passable, but it is very muddy! Repairs to the path will be made as soon as the water level has dropped to its normal winter level.

Board of Directors Vacancy

The Sudden Valley Community Association (SVCA) wishes to announce that, due to the resignation of Director Rick Asai, a vacancy has opened on the Board of Directors. We thank Director Asai for his service to the community and wish him well in his future endeavors.

The Nominations and Election Committee is now accepting applications to fill this open seat. The appointed director will serve until the next Annual General Meeting in November 2026.
Community members interested in contributing to the leadership and future direction of Sudden Valley are encouraged to apply.

Application Link: https://suddenvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/Candidate-Application-2025-Updated-v3.pdf

Completed applications may be submitted in person at the Sudden Valley Welcome Center.

Application Deadline:
4:30 PM on December 11, 2025
We appreciate your engagement and commitment to our community.

Board Announces Change in General Management

The SVCA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that former General Manager, Jo Anne Jensen, is returning to Sudden Valley. Effective Sunday, November 2nd, Jo Anne will take over from outgoing GM Michael Bennett, who resigned his position for personal reasons.

Please join us in thanking Michael for his service over the past year, and in welcoming Jo Anne back to the Association. We look forward to a seamless transition. Both Michael and Jo Anne will be present at the AGM on Saturday if you would like to say goodbye or hello to them directly.