Alert to Lakefront Owners

On January 5th, 2026, we will open the valve to lower the lake by about 6 feet. Six foot is chosen to allow an average of about 4 feet down for a 4-6 week period. The lowering process should take about 10-15 days, at which time the lake valve will be closed.

The lake will refill naturally which is anticipated to be in March or April, 2026, based on historic rainfall amounts. The January start was chosen to minimize the impact on typical recreational activities.

For Lakeside property owners, this may not be repeated for another 5 years. This is an opportunity to clean your shoreline; repair or build seawalls, docks and boathouses; and determine the strength of existing pilings or floats. Please check with the City of Berkeley Lake for any permit requirements.

Guidelines and Suggestions for Managing Boats

All Lakeside residents with boats will be affected…not just those choosing to repair or build. If practical, you may want to consider taking your boat out of the lake. Actions are needed to determine the best procedure for safely securing your boat.

• Remember to trim your motor up to protect your propeller blades.
• Inspect the lake bed under your boat to ensure that there are no objects that can damage your hull or pontoons.
• If no work is to be done, it may be sufficient to allow your boat to lower in position. Plan on moving your boat lines; or obtaining extras, to create enough line for the boat to lower without damage. This should be done before January 5th.
• If you are keeping your boat in your slip, please inspect your mooring lines as the lake is being lowered. This should be done at least daily.
• If your boat is under cover, you may want to lower your bimini top and insure your boat is not rubbing on the sides of your dock. Keep your boat secured as the lake is being lowered.
• If you have docks on flat or slightly declining slopes, adjust your mooring lines until your boat is resting on the lake bottom. Monitor your lines as the lake level rises.
• If your dock is on a steep slope, your boat will rest at an angle. Monitor your lines often! The boat will level itself as the water level returns to normal. This will also require monitoring of your mooring lines.
• If you’re planning project work, it may be necessary to move your craft to accommodate your work area. Consider the slope at the bottom of your settling area to best determine adequate mooring/tie-downs if away from your dock area. It may be necessary to have construction material delivered to your property before January 5th. Your dock, seawall, etc. may be harder to access once the lake level falls, if materials are arriving via the lake.
• If you have a floating dock, remember your fastening cables need to be adjusted as the lake goes down.