Smith Mountain Reservoir expected to exceed full pond level

Appalachian Power says water level could rise four feet by 3am Friday

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Smith Mountain Reservoir will exceed its full pond elevation because of heavy rainfall in the Smith Mountain Project’s watershed.

Appalachian Power operates the project’s hydroelectric facility and says the normal full pond level is 795 feet, but is expected to exceed that by 4 feet.

“We expect to reach this level sometime early Friday morning about the 3 a.m. timeframe,” said George Porter, Appalachian Power spokesperson.

Officials are advising property owners to secure any watercrafts. They say if your boat is on a slip, make sure there is plenty of overhead clearance to avoid the boat from hitting the top of the dock.


About the Author:

Tim Harfmann joined the 10 News team in September 2020 and works at the station's Lynchburg bureau.