Smith Mountain Lake expected to rise two feet above full pond level due to heavy rainfall

Posted: Nov 12, 2020 / 07:24 AM EST

Updated: Nov 12, 2020 / 09:57 AM EST

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WFXR) — Appalachian Power is warning property owners and visitors that the water levels at the Smith Mountain Reservoir are set to rise two feet above full pond level by Thursday afternoon due to heavy rainfall.

According to a statement from Appalachian Power — operator of the Smith Mountain Project
hydroelectric facility in southwest Virginia — on Thursday, Nov. 12, the normal full pond level at Smith Mountain Lake is 795 feet while the project’s lower reservoir, Leesville Lake, has a full pond level of 613 feet.

Based on updated river predictions from the National Weather Service (NWS) and continuous rainfall, Appalachian Power says the Smith Mountain reservoir will reach an elevation of 797 feet by Thursday afternoon.

However, by allowing the reservoir to exceed full pond, it will reportedly help prevent additional flooding downstream.

Property owners are encouraged to remove unsecured items from the lower levels of their
docks, relocate any items along the shoreline, secure water craft and floating docks, and take caution when walking on docks.

You can check out current lake levels and inflow/discharge information anytime by following this link.