(CLAIR) – In 1983, Simi Valley experienced heavy rains that caused significant damage to Sinaloa Lake. The storms, which were particularly intense in the first week of March, caused two landslides that severely eroded the earthen dam. This led state officials to be concerned that the dam could collapse, so they ordered the lake to be drained and the dam to be destroyed.
On March 2, a local resident noticed that the saturated soil on the western edge of the dam was beginning to give way. Alerted by this observation, county and city employees closely monitored the dam. Unfortunately, that same day, a section of the dam face collapsed.
In the wake of this development, Simi Valley workers covered the dam’s surface with plastic and opened all operable floodgates. They also ordered the evacuation of nearby residents. Later that night, another section of the dam face fell away.
According to statements made in connection with a subsequent lawsuit, state officials believed that the dam had failed and that, in order to protect the public, the remaining water had to be removed and the dam destroyed as soon as possible. As a result, about 1,400 residents were forced to leave their homes for four days while the lake, which had been constructed between 1925 and 1929, was drained.
Many of the affected residents have since claimed that the water was drained unnecessarily and that there was never any imminent danger or threat to the public.
In the years following the 1983 incident, the Sinaloa Lake Owners Association was able to secure enough funding to rebuild the dam and clear the accumulated growth, allowing the natural runoff from the southern hills to refill the lake once again. The rebuilding project was overseen by the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Dams, and the Army Corps of Engineers, who continue to monitor the lake’s progress.
Today, the lake has been restored to its former beauty, with a goal of reaching 95% native landscape. It is stocked with mature Crappy, Big Mouth Bass, and other fish, making it a popular spot for fishing once again. The area has also become a refuge for dozens of birds during migration and throughout the year.
During the September 2005 wildfires, the lake was even used as a source of water for firefighting efforts. Helicopters dipped into the lake every 5-10 minutes for two days to fill their tanks and help contain the blaze. The lake continues to be a beloved and important part of the community, and its restoration serves as a testament to the resilience of the Sinaloa Lake Owners Association and the surrounding community.
