Ongoing drought conditions have left Smith Mountain Lake several feet below its normal summer level, and officials are urging people to take extra precautions before heading out on the water.
With water levels at Smith Mountain Lake still at historic lows, Appalachian Power has provided an update on how ongoing drought conditions are affecting the Smith Mountain Project.
A tent collapsed during Eastlake Community Church’s 20th anniversary celebration, killing a longtime member of the congregation. A day later, the tent remained on the ground as community members shifted their focus to remembering the man who lost his life.
A small device is giving swimmers and dock owners at Smith Mountain Lake a new kind of peace of mind. It’s called the Dock Lifeguard — a probe that senses stray electricity in the water and sounds an alarm.
Smith Mountain Lake is four feet below normal amid severe drought conditions across the state. Bedford Water is urging customers to conserve water to avoid mandatory restrictions.
The Western Virginia Water Authority announced that due to dry conditions, water levels at Smith Mountain Lake have fallen below 791.5 feet, and as a result, they are asking Westlake area customers to voluntarily conserve water.
Recent rainfall around Smith Mountain Lake has provided only limited relief to historically low water levels that continue to impact boating and businesses around the lake.
The water levels at Philpott Lake are in good shape despite drought conditions continuing to affect other lakes in the region, like Smith Mountain Lake, according to the lake’s Operation Project Manager, Chris Powell.
As drought conditions continue across much of Virginia, Appalachian Power Company is changing the way it operates the Smith Mountain Project to help save water at Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.
Charter captain Victor Clarke and water safety officials are urging visitors and residents to stay in marked channels and always wear a life jacket.
At Smith Mountain Lake, the water level is sitting four feet below normal as of Monday, May 18. The drop is revealing more shoreline than beachgoers are used to seeing.
Officials say water levels are lower than usual, and people should take extra precautions while boating, swimming and fishing.
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.
More than a year after winning a racial discrimination case, two families say they still haven’t been paid - as Lazy Cove Campground is set to be auctioned June 10.
Efforts to control the spread of hydrilla at Smith Mountain Lake are drawing mixed reactions, as officials weigh a plan to introduce grass-eating carp while some local fishermen urge alternative solutions.
Smith Mountain Lake Gives is an annual online giving day that supports nonprofits serving Bedford and Franklin counties. Organizers say the event is the largest day of giving for local charities in the two counties.
The Smith Mountain Lake Association has released its final report on water quality monitoring for 2025, showing healthy water quality levels consistent with the 20-year average.
Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue has reminded everyone to be safe when near the lake during the freezing cold weather.
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.
Smith Mountain Lake is experiencing some of its lowest water levels in nearly a decade, creating challenges for boaters and local businesses. The community has been dealing with these conditions for about three months, making it difficult for people like Captain Vic to launch their boats.
Vicki Gardner survived a tragedy that shook her to the core. Ten years ago, journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward were fatally shot during a live broadcast near Smith Mountain Lake. Gardner was being interviewed that day when the shooting occurred. She was seriously wounded and faced years of painful surgeries, lengthy legal battles, and deep emotional scars.
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center recently released a bald eagle at Smith Mountain Lake! It was injured after a fight with other eagles, but that scuffle was only half the battle.
Water levels at Smith Mountain Lake are currently lower than usual, prompting concerns among some homeowners and businesses along the shore.
If your looking for something fun to do this weekend, the 33rd annual Antique and Classic Boat Show is taking place tomorrow at Goodhue Boat Company. The free event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and typically draws about 2,000 spectators eager to see a wide range of boats and meet fellow enthusiasts.
Carilion Clinic announced Tuesday plans to open freestanding emergency departments in Smith Mountain Lake’s Westlake area and the Daleville Town Center area.
The Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times of the year, and Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park is gearing up for the return of its popular Music in the Park series, offering a summer filled with live performances against the scenic backdrop of the lake.
New state budget funds $250K to water testing of Smith Mountain Lake and other Virginia inland waterways.
The award-winning resort located in Giles County has announced its popular “Dirty Dancing Weekends” schedule for 2026, along with “Dirty Dancing Days Summer Festival,” a unique opportunity for those within driving distance.
If you’ve been out on Smith Mountain Lake, you may have seen the debris. Anything from fallen tree limbs to even trash.
Two families have been awarded $750,00 after a jury ruled that the owner of a Smith Mountain Lake campground discriminated against them because of the color of their skin.
This Thanksgiving weekend, Virginia State Parks are encouraging people to ‘opt out’ of the shopping and chaos and ‘opt outside’ instead.
After 52 years of dedicated service to the community, Brownies Hardware and Auto Parts is set to close its doors for the final time at the end of this year.
Celebrating classic boats at Smith Mountain Lake, the Antique and Classic Boat Show is next weekend. 10 News photojournalist Greg Moore gives us a sneak peak at what you can expect.
After hearing of the electrocution incident, the owner of Blackwater Diving Company wanted to do something to educate people about the dangers of stray voltage near docks at the lake.
A family vacation took a tragic turn on Thursday when an 18-year-old died after swimming in the lake. Investigators say he may have suffered from electric shock drowning.
It’s been a year since the harmful algal bloom took over a section of Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days will remain at Crazy Horse Marina, now known as Goodhue Boat Company at Blackwater.
These sunny days are giving people the itch to head outside and get in and on the water, and with Memorial Day weekend coming up, Smith Mountain Lake is expecting the crowds.
Residents and the business community at Smith Mountain Lake have formed the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Alliance to educate the public about harmful algal blooms.
The Virginia Department of Health has provided an update regarding the harmful algal bloom that was discovered on Smith Mountain Lake in early June.
The Smith Mountain Lake community got to hear more about why some of the lake water has been a blueish-green color.
The Smith Mountain Lake Association is hosting a town hall meeting Thursday, July 6 to discuss the health of Smith Mountain Lake.
The Smith Mountain Lake Association is offering a new resource to keep visitors informed on the harmful algal bloom affecting parts of the lake.
Smith Mountain Lake Association is hosting its signature event, A Day At the Lake. This is a free and interactive event that the whole family can enjoy.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer for many, but this year it feels more like fall. Businesses at Smith Mountain Lake weigh in on how the weather affects one of their biggest weekends.
