In response to the frequent opening and closing of water conveyance valves in high-head navigation locks under unsteady flow conditions, there is a need for further research on the operational characteristics of these valves under the current operational mode. By adopting methods such as prototype observation and field experiments, this study analyzes the current operational process of a high-head single-stage navigation lock and the operational characteristics of the water conveyance valve under different operational processes. An optimized operational process is proposed, which provides significant value and reference for the safety and stability of navigation lock equipment and navigation structures.