As of early May 2026, Smith Mountain Lake (SML) is experiencing low water levels, roughly 5 feet below full pool, due to severe drought conditions, leading officials to warn boaters of exposed hazards, reduced dock depths, and challenging navigation in non-main channel areas
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Smith Mountain Lake sits about 5 feet below full pool, officials warn boaters of hazards
https://wset.com/news/local/smith-mountain-lake-sits-about-5-feet-below-full-pool-officials-warn-boaters-of-hazards-moneta-may-2026
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Video:
Smith Mountain Lake faces lowest water levels in nearly a decade amid severe drought
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyrwBRq5bPA
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Low Flow … SML …. 2006
http://roanokeslant.blogspot.com/2006/06/low-flow.html
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SML Dock repair Oct 2001
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May 13, 2026
Drought forces Appalachian Power to release less water from Smith Mountain Project
https://roanoke.com/news/local/article_3e153fc1-a8a8-4815-b4e0-a068b6ef2235.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage
The amount of water released into the Roanoke River is reduced, as it was on April 27, when the forecasted lake level has a 20% chance of dropping below 790.5 feet adjusted in 16 weeks.
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