State Parks to lower Lake Sylvia water level by five feet

MONTESANO – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will lower the water level of Lake Sylvia by approximately five feet on June 23 to relieve pressure on the aging Lake Sylvia dam. The lowering process could take up to a week to complete. 

The Lake Sylvia dam, which was built around 1918, is showing signs of age and requires maintenance work. Lowering the level of the lake will alleviate stress on the dam, ensure visitor safety and allow State Parks and its partners to continuing monitoring the structure while preparing for next steps. 

The lake will remain open for recreation. The impact to the dock, boat launch and swim area will not be known until lowering is complete. The park is also a great location for hiking, biking, bird watching and camping. 

This action is in response to the dam’s most recent annual inspection. State Parks learned the dam is at risk if it experiences a major flooding or seismic event while the water is at its current height.  

At this time, the Washington State Department of Ecology ‘s Dam Safety Office rated the dam as an Emergency Level 1 out of 3. At Emergency Level 1, recreation is still considered safe and will continue to be permitted on and around the lake. This level signifies there are concerns with the dam that have not yet threatened its operation or structural integrity but could if its issues are not addressed.  

Part of the dam was reinforced between 1988 and 1995. Lowering the water level to the reinforced height provides more stability and security. When the water level is lowered, the dam will no longer be at an Emergency Level 1. 

These immediate actions will support the safety of our visitors and allow experts to continue monitoring the dam. Visitors may see crews in and around the area of the dam as monitoring work continues. 

State Parks is continuing to have conversations with the Dam Safety Office and other partners to determine next steps.   

For the latest updates and information, please visit the State Parks website.