Smith Mountain Project

Smith Mountain Project Smith Mountain Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric generation project operated by Appalachian Power and located near Roanoke , Virginia. until 5:00 p.m.

Smith Mountain Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric generation facility operated by Appalachian Power and located near Roanoke , Virginia. Its unique pumped-storage system provides electricity for the region and, at the same time, is a driver for the surrounding area’s economy and a focal point for residential, tourism and outdoor activities. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid

-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs—Smith Mountain and Leesville—have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 25,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. Smith Mountain Project is a 636-megawatt pumped storage hydroelectric facility that utilizes an upper reservoir (Smith Mountain Lake) and a lower reservoir (Leesville Lake) creating a total of about 500 miles of shoreline. Water stored in Smith Mountain Lake passes through turbine-generators in the powerhouse to produce electricity and is discharged into Leesville Lake. Most of the water is retained in Leesville Lake and pumped back into the Smith Mountain Lake for re-use. Some of the water goes through the turbine-generators at the Leesville powerhouse to generate additional electricity and to meet the minimum discharge requirements of the project's operating license. The visitor’s center at Smith Mountain is open to the public with a view overlooking the dam. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday each week, from 9:00 a.m. Exhibits and the overlook area close at 4:30 p.m. The center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. through Labor Day. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public every day. There is no admission charge for the visitor’s center. Visitors can follow signs from Route 40 to “Smith Mountain Dam”.

As we head into Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, we want to thank everyone for their ...
09/02/2026

As we head into Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, we want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the ongoing drought conditions.

While Smith Mountain Project remains a destination for boating and recreation, lower-than-average water levels continue to create unique challenges. Boaters and visitors should use extra caution around exposed rocks, shoals, debris and shallow-water areas.

Before heading out on the water:
✅ Wear a life jacket
✅ Operate at safe speeds
✅ Never boat under the influence
✅ Stay alert to changing lake conditions

We continue to operate the Smith Mountain Project under the federally approved Water Management Plan and have implemented all available drought-response conservation measures.

We appreciate the support of residents, businesses and visitors throughout this challenging season. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Learn more and monitor lake conditions: http://ms.spr.ly/6185aufc9

Lake conditions can change throughout the year. Stay informed with Smith Mountain Project email alerts, including lake l...
08/16/2026

Lake conditions can change throughout the year.

Stay informed with Smith Mountain Project email alerts, including lake level updates, capacity test notifications, seasonal information, and other important notices for property owners.

Sign up today at SmithMountainProject.com or scan the QR code.

POST UPDATE: We want to clarify what “return to normal” means for this required test. Smith Mountain Lake is currently a...
08/14/2026

POST UPDATE: We want to clarify what “return to normal” means for this required test. Smith Mountain Lake is currently about 790 feet, not full pond. During the test, the lake may temporarily drop to about 789 feet and is expected to return to about 790 feet after water is pumped back. We understand the concern and appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this required testing while working to minimize impacts.

POST UPDATE: We want to clarify what “return to normal” means for this required test. Smith Mountain Lake is currently about 790 feet, not full pond. During the test, the lake may temporarily drop to about 789 feet and is expected to return to about 790 feet after water is pumped back. We understand the concern and appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this required testing while working to minimize impacts.

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⚠️ Upcoming Capacity Test at Smith Mountain Project

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) will conduct a required capacity test at the Smith Mountain Project during the early evening hours of Monday, Aug. 17.

During the test, Smith Mountain Lake is expected to temporarily drop by about one foot, while Leesville Lake will temporarily rise. Recreational and commercial users should be aware of changing water conditions.

APCo worked proactively with PJM to complete this required testing while helping minimize impacts on residents and recreational users already affected by drought conditions.

🚤 Boaters and other lake users who could be affected by changing water levels are encouraged to be securely docked and make any necessary preparations before early evening hours, Monday.

Water levels are expected to return to normal levels by Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Weather and other operational considerations may result in schedule adjustments.

Additional updates will be available at SmithMountainProject.com and on this page.

Thank you for your cooperation.

POST UPDATE: We want to clarify what “return to normal” means for this required test. Smith Mountain Lake is currently a...
08/14/2026

POST UPDATE: We want to clarify what “return to normal” means for this required test. Smith Mountain Lake is currently about 790 feet, not full pond. During the test, the lake may temporarily drop to about 789 feet and is expected to return to about 790 feet after water is pumped back. We understand the concern and appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this required testing while working to minimize impacts.

----

⚠️ Upcoming Capacity Test at Smith Mountain Project

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) will conduct a required capacity test at the Smith Mountain Project during the early evening hours of Monday, Aug. 17.

During the test, Smith Mountain Lake is expected to temporarily drop by about one foot, while Leesville Lake will temporarily rise. Recreational and commercial users should be aware of changing water conditions.

APCo worked proactively with PJM to complete this required testing while helping minimize impacts on residents and recreational users already affected by drought conditions.

🚤 Boaters and other lake users who could be affected by changing water levels are encouraged to be securely docked and make any necessary preparations before early evening hours, Monday.

Water levels are expected to return to normal levels by Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Weather and other operational considerations may result in schedule adjustments.

Additional updates will be available at SmithMountainProject.com and on this page.

Thank you for your cooperation.

08/07/2026

VISITOR CENTER UPDATE

Maintenance projects, including tree work and paving along the overlook and parking lot are now complete and the Visitor's Center is reopened ahead of schedule! Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 8:30-4:15.

Winter hours will take effect September 8 following the following Labor Day holiday.

Thank you for your patience while we completed these projects.

Planning a project along Smith Mountain Lake or Leesville Lake? We’re simplifying the permit process and giving you more...
07/31/2026

Planning a project along Smith Mountain Lake or Leesville Lake? We’re simplifying the permit process and giving you more time to complete approved work.

Effective July 31, 2026, Appalachian Power is extending the term of new Occupancy and Use Permits from one year to two years for structures within the Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project boundary.

As part of this update, permit expiration-date extensions will no longer be available. Property owners with existing one-year permits must request any expiration-date amendments by Dec. 31, 2026. Once a two-year permit expires, a new application will be required and must meet the Shoreline Management Plan requirements in effect at the time of submission.

These changes provide greater flexibility for property owners and contractors facing weather, scheduling or other project delays while streamlining the permitting process and supporting responsible shoreline development at Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.

Learn more: http://ms.spr.ly/6187aByrZ

Smith Mountain Project residents, You may see news about a hydroelectric capacity test taking place at Claytor Dam on Ju...
07/29/2026

Smith Mountain Project residents,

You may see news about a hydroelectric capacity test taking place at Claytor Dam on July 30, which will temporarily increase downstream flows on the New River. This test applies only to the Claytor Hydroelectric Project.

There is currently NO capacity test scheduled for the Smith Mountain Project. Residents, visitors and recreational users at Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake do not need to anticipate any test-related changes in water levels or operations at this time.

For updates on Smith Mountain Project operations, continue to follow this page and check SmithMountainProject.com.

📅 Visitor Center UpdateThe Visitor Center will be closed July 30th through August 10 as ongoing maintenance work and pav...
07/29/2026

📅 Visitor Center Update

The Visitor Center will be closed July 30th through August 10 as ongoing maintenance work and paving takes place at the Overlook and Visitor Center. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on August 11!

Thank you for your understanding.

Smith Mountain Project is more than a destination for recreation — it is also part of an innovative hydroelectric system...
07/27/2026

Smith Mountain Project is more than a destination for recreation — it is also part of an innovative hydroelectric system that helps meet electricity demand across the region.

The Smith Mountain Project uses two reservoirs, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake, to generate electricity through pumped-storage hydropower. When electricity demand is high, water is released from Smith Mountain Lake through turbines at Smith Mountain Dam to generate power before flowing into Leesville Lake. When demand is lower, water can be pumped back to Smith Mountain Lake for future use.

This process helps provide reliable electricity while supporting recreation, environmental stewardship and other lake uses. It also explains why lake levels can fluctuate throughout the day and year as operators respond to changing energy needs and operating conditions.

Since its completion in the 1960s, the Smith Mountain Project has played an important role in both regional energy production and the creation of one of Virginia's most popular recreational lakes.

Watch the video to learn how the dam works, how electricity is generated and how water moves through the Smith Mountain Project system.

To learn more about dam operations, lake levels, shoreline management and the history of the project, visit http://ms.spr.ly/6183vClWl.

For generations, the Smith Mountain Project has been an important p...

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2072 Ford Road
Sandy Level, VA
24137

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