Officials and volunteers are preparing for another busy summer season at Smith Mountain Lake, ramping up water quality monitoring following harmful algal blooms that affected parts of the lake in 2023.

The Smith Mountain Lake Association Dock Watch program has completed its second year of monitoring.

Due to the prolonged drought around Smith Mountain Lake, Appalachian Power Company is urging the public to be cautious in the area. Some boat ramps and launch areas may be inaccessible due to the low water levels.

A Roanoke band took home the win for the 6th Annual Battle of the Bands at Smith Mountain Lake on Sunday!