Category Archives: Community Announcements

SSC SERVICE UPDATE FOR FRIDAY 02/07/2025

Service Update for Sudden Valley Residents

SSC has assessed current conditions and anticipates servicing most of Sudden Valley as scheduled on Friday, February 7th. However, due to road conditions, crews may be unable to access some steep streets in Gates 3, 5, 9, and 13.

To support residents affected by potential service disruptions, SVCA has placed collection containers at the Barn parking lot for trash disposal. These containers can be accessed by visiting the Rec Center and requesting staff to unlock them for you.

Additionally, if SSC cannot reach your residence and you are unable to wait until your next scheduled pick-up, you may drop off garbage and recycling free of charge at one of SSC’s three Transfer Stations located in Bellingham, Birch Bay, or Cedarville. (Please note: RDS and Republic stations are not included.)

We appreciate your patience and cooperation. Thank you!

Road Condition Update 2/6/2025

As of 9:41 AM on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Sudden Valley Community Association (SVCA) Maintenance team has been working in split shifts to address the overnight snowfall. Six snow removal vehicles and the smaller UTV machine are actively clearing snow across various gates. The Waste Removal Company, SSC, is assessing road conditions today and will decide regarding Friday’s trash pickup.

The current weather in Bellingham is cloudy with a temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Today’s forecast predicts cold conditions with decreasing clouds, a high of 37°F (3°C), and a low of 17°F (-8°C).

🚧 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 🚜

Snow Removal Plan 2025

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 🚜

Update on SVCA Windstorm Response

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 2nd, 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.