SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. — Weeks of dry weather across the Roanoke Valley have pushed Smith Mountain Lake below its normal levels, prompting safety warnings from Appalachian Power Company (APCo) and sparking widespread discussion among local residents and lake users.
APCo says the lake’s lower levels are the result of prolonged below-average rainfall, a trend that has persisted for much of the year. Officials are urging anyone using the lake for fishing, boating, or other recreation to use extra caution, noting that some boat ramps and launch areas may be temporarily inaccessible.
“Lake levels depend heavily on rainfall, and we’ve been experiencing drought conditions for some time,” said Dwain Bever, energy production superintendent for the Smith Mountain Project. “We encourage anyone using the lake recreationally to be careful with shallow areas and shoals that may not normally come into play.”
Residents Say They’ve Seen This Before — But Still Have Concerns
On social media, locals have been actively sharing their thoughts and experiences, with opinions ranging from reassurance to worry.
One longtime lake resident commented, “After 25 years on the lake, I’ll say this — low water is actually a lot more fun than when it’s way too high.” Another quickly replied, joking that “both extremes aren’t great, and I’m not sure which I’d pick if I had the choice.”
Others pointed to history for context. One Facebook user noted that current levels, while low, haven’t yet reached record lows, explaining that the lake would need to drop another couple of feet to match levels seen in past drought years like 2007, 2008, and 2012.
Several residents placed the blame squarely on the weather. “How about lack of rain?” one commenter wrote bluntly, while another added, “We’re in drought conditions — this happens every 15 to 20 years.”
Still, not everyone is unconcerned. One newer resident shared worries about access and long-term impacts, saying they can’t even get their boat out if levels dip further and questioning what it could mean for lakefront property values if similar conditions occur during peak summer months.
Dry Weather Backed by Data
According to APCo, data from the National Centers for Environmental Information shows daily precipitation has remained below two inches since mid-May 2025, and daily rainfall totals haven’t exceeded one inch since early August. The sustained lack of rain has steadily reduced inflows to the lake.
Some locals also noted that Smith Mountain Lake is, first and foremost, a hydroelectric reservoir, not a recreational lake. One commenter summed it up this way: “The lake was built for power, not homeowners. No rain means this happens — I’ve seen it much lower over the years.”
Safety Warnings and Access Updates
With water levels down, APCo is advising the public to take extra precautions, including:
- Checking boat ramp and launch conditions before traveling
- Obeying closure signs and barricades
- Wearing a life jacket when on or near the water
- Avoiding exposed or muddy lakebeds, which may have steep drop-offs
- Watching for newly exposed hazards like rocks and stumps
- Reporting hazards to APCo at 1-800-956-4237
Despite the lower lake levels, APCo says there are no expected impacts to power generation, and operations remain safe and reliable.
Looking Ahead
While some residents see the lower water as a temporary inconvenience — or even an opportunity to repair docks or shorelines — others are keeping a close eye on the forecast, hoping for rain in the weeks ahead.
As one longtime local put it simply on Facebook: “It’s been low before. It’ll rain. Just give it time.”
For now, officials and residents alike agree on one thing: conditions on Smith Mountain Lake are different than usual, and caution on the water is more important than ever.