To date, five Appalachian-owned islands have been stabilized, according to Mark McGlothlin, senior plant support specialist for Appalachian. Lunch is served. Location: 2072 Ford Rd, Sandy Level, VA 24161: Phone: (540)985-25875. Compare 8 available, short term cabins for rent, starts from $55. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). From $15 an hour. m. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. 122 bridge. In 1960 at Smith Mountain Gap, construction began on what was to become Smith Mountain Lake. Nov. The difference is in what takes place from the beginning until the end of the tournament. Location 4. The mountain area is covered with trees with lake access. the lake first reached ‘full pond’ (795 feet above sea level). 87 mi) Hampton Inn Jasper, Alabama (3. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. Close by are SML State Park and SML Community Park, each offering lakeside trails suitable for the whole family. That is a 28-mile roundtrip. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. at SML State Park. 12 reviews #16 of 30 Restaurants in Moneta $$$$ Italian Armenian. to dusk. , Moneta VA 24121 • (540) 296-0500 AllSizeStorageBedford. Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is not man-made, but that’s alright – it's stunning all the same. They completed the dam in 1967 and donated some of the surrounding land to form the park. Bedford County makes up the northern half of the lake with the Roanoke River as the dividing line. Browse 108 smith mountain lake virginia photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Smith Mountain Dam closed the gap completely in 1963, and Smith Mountain Lake began to fill and form behind it. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. Everyone gathers to watch amateurs and professionals compete on the water. Ships from and sold by Amazon. There are many scenic coves dotted mostly with vacation homes but there are also some marinas, restaurants, hotels, and parks scattered along the shoreline. April 13, 1965: Water rises in Smith Mountain Lake behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Dams. This stunning area is owned by Appalachian Power and provides multiple. The construction of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam helped brand the lake as an environmental wonder. Write a review Upload a photo. Jason Dunovant. Don in VA If you go to see Smith Mountain Lake Dam DO NOT use Google maps for directions. Take Bride’s Island at R4, the first of four islands that slip by on your left as you motor down the Roanoke River and turn north into the mouth of Craddock Creek. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). Live music at The Dam Grill, 6724 White House Road, Moneta. the adjusted reservoir elevation was 793. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. Known as the “jewel” of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is now our home and serves as an inspiration for creating beers that celebrate our area. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, with 20,600 acres and 500 miles of shoreline. Construction on the Dam began in 1959. Smith Mountain Lake: Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, this 20,000 acre clear water lake ranks as one of my favorite walleye spots. 1 of 6. 95. Dams. Whether you seek days full of activities or more serene time spent relaxing, our region's amazing beauty and natural resources make for the. With over 500 miles of shoreline as the 2nd largest lake in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is one of the premier places for fishing on the East Coast. The Roanoke Times file. Nature & Wildlife Areas. The new site has a more. Conceived in the 1920s, the Smith Mountain Dam Project was designed to generate electricity for the area by damming the Roanoke River. 3-mile Lake Trail, the 1. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. The Halesford Harbour Inn at Smith Mountain Lake is a charming waterfront hotel that offers guests all of the amenities of a big resort bundled into a perfect, private getaway. Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, United States, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. The state park has lots of amenities (beach, interpretive center, cabins, campground, marina, etc. On March 7, 1966, the lake reached “full pond,” and in 1983, Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened. 4. . SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE. 9-meter-diameter (26-foot-diameter) openings to channel water to tThe construction of a dam in the gap of Smith Mountainin Pittsylvania County, Virginia, had been considered as early as the 1920s. Maximum height: 235 feet above the streambed. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of. Fatalities dropped slightly to 19 after tying a ten-year high in 2020 of 21. Largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery and far outnumber smallmouth. The hydroelectric dam. to 4 p. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. , 272 Westlake Rd. Washington Highway #2 Bridgewater Plaza Moneta, VA 24121 Phone: (540) 721-1203 Phone: (540) 721-1203 FAX: (540) 721-7796 Visit WebsiteHotels near the sights. See moreLearn about the Smith Mountain Project, a two-lake complex of dams and reservoirs on the Roanoke River in Virginia, that provides power and recreation for the region. The headwaters of Leesville Lake is a very harsh environment for most fish species due to the cold water temperatures, fast water currents, and poor forage resources. 1. Hillman Aviation – 540. recommend going early if you are kayaking as lake gets busy with boats in. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. Front Door Properties brokered by Wainwright & CO. Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking trails. Smith Mountain Lake is tucked far away in rural SW Virginia but the long drive is worth it. Download Smith Mountain Lake stock photos. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public every day. -3 p. If you see a malfunctioning or damaged channel, rock or shoal marker, contact TLAC at 721-4400 or at Appalachian Power’s website, smithmtn. Washington Highway, Unit 2, Moneta; 540-721-1203. Zillow has 6 homes for sale in Penhook VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. 7-mile Dam Trail. m. 8M gallons a day from the Lake – which is 40 times. Learn more. The headwaters of Leesville Lake is a very harsh environment for most fish species due to the cold water temperatures, fast water currents, and poor forage resources. In. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. 07 feet/hour). West of Smith Mountain Dam, the waters of the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers formed Smith Mountain Lake, covering 20,600 acres that had primarily been farmland. Have fun, lake lover!Lake Inn. Also near the park are the Booker T. Review. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. About Me. Appalachian Power Company’s Smith Mountain Lake Dam Visitors’ Center is a popular attraction and is. Smith Mountain Lake features resorts, condos,. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. 2021 . The Smith Mountain Visitor’s Center overlooks the dam. Reports. Skip to main content. We know there are many vacation options available to your family. C180 Seaplane. Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. The turbines have a combined capacity of 560 megawatts. Smith Mountain Lake Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. m. Dams. Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Great swim, safe and beautiful environment. . 0711. 8. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. The 12-month program aims to develop a. Today, the visitor center provides an inside look into how the dam was created with historical accounts, interactive exhibits and scale models of the Roanoke region. . 10' thick at the top 32' thick at the base 235' tall 816' span. $230 - 1/2. In a contract brewing arrangement with Railhouse, Parnell has set out to create a locally brewed beer distinctive to Smith Mountain Lake. Appalachian Power deploys divers on Friday to make an underwater inspection of the Smith Mountain Dam. m. Though already 50 years old, Smith Mountain Lake is sparkling brighter than ever. 9. Wakeboarding has become one of the most popular water sports in Smith Mountain Lake, and the area even hosts local competitions throughout the summer. Then follow the Bedford directions above. Smith Mountain Lake Reaches “Full Pond”. From $55/night - Compare 8 cabins & cabin vacation rentals in Smith Mountain Lake area! Find best cheap deals easily & save up to 70% with AirCabins. Smith Mountain Dam and Lake (Images of America) $24. Located in Penhook, Virginia at the base of Smith Mountain and near the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, The Sanctuary features over 135 acres of pristine properties boasting over 4 miles of. The Leesville Dam regulates the Smith Mountain Lake's outflows and. It has a number of exhibits about both the Smith Mountain Lake Dam (location of this visitor center) and also the Leesville Dam which is 19. $5 for ages 6 and older. 2. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. 45 Enterprise Ln, Smith Mountain Lake, Hardy, VA 24101-3973. 11. 10. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. 1 feet. This visitor center for the Smith Mountain Lake Project Dam is a little gem. Incidents hit a 10-year peak of 110 in 2020 before dropping to 89 last year. With the start of the new year, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is now requiring individuals to obtain a boating access permit to use public boat ramp facilities at. We only went there to see the dam. Smith Mountain Lake is known as a recreation lover’s paradise, an ideal location for fishing, swimming, boating, tow sports, kayaking, paddle boarding and other fun things to do. Dams. > At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. Smith Mountain Lake is a large man-made lake (the largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, according to Wikipedia) nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Roanoke, VA. Close to the heart of energy-generation at Smith Mountain Dam. The City of Roanoke and surrounding suburbs is 25 to 45 minutes away. Now available as an Android and iPhone app! One Year One Month One Week. 83'. a Map showing tributary sites below Smith Mountain Lake Dam. The center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. Escape the chaos of the city and embrace Virginia's natural beauty when you plan your next vacation at Mariners Landing. 2017 / 2018 Series. comNovember 1962: Construction completed on the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Created in the 1960’s by a large dam, the Lake has stunning shorelines and a lot of recreation. 16503 Booker T. Washington National Monument, Smith Mountain Lake Airport and the Waterford and Westlake Country. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. The Smith Mountain dam project was one of the first commercial diving projects that used saturation diving. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. This long-time lake event allows you to tour eight spectacular waterfront homes while raising money for area charities. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam. The fish – which Emmel caught in the Pamunkey River on Monday – was 3 feet, 6 inches long. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. The lake and its surrounding area are best known as an ideal place for boating, sailing, flatwater paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking, golf, watersports, and camping. The first time our cabin was just on a camp road. -story only Senior Living Hide 55+ communities Other Amenities Must have A/C Must have pool Waterfront View City Mountain Park Water Days on Zillow Any1 day7. It expands for 40 miles and offers 500 miles of shoreline. 79 reviews. Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. comConstruction Continues for Smith Mountain Lake Project. Smith Mountain Lake. The PCB fish consumption advisory covers Smith Mountain Lake from below Niagara Dam on the Roanoke River downstream to Smith Mountain Dam, including the Blackwater River arm up to the Rt. The overlook of the dam, that’s what made it all worth it. Smith Mountain Lake’s low water level continues to be a concern for lake residents and businesses. In addition to regular water exercise classes, lap swimmers and general pool use, 23 Westlake Wellness members swam the equivalent distance from the Hales Ford Bridge to the SML Dam. 6. A generous fall of rain and good runoff of show had raised the lake level to an elevation of 782. m. You’ll find it in central Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains; from Washington DC, it’s about four hours southwest. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. SML Triathlon: Test your endurance while swimming, cycling, and running through one of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks. Look at the photos. First time to try SML and kayaking on Smith Mountain Lake. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). Feel the stress melt away as the abundance of natural light floods in. This area is mainly used for hiking, hunting, fishing, watching wildlife and viewing the beautiful hidden gem of the Blue Ridge that is Smith Mountain Lake. The Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. The company purchases 1,500 acres in Bedford County and. Business and property owners at the lake found. 34 Figure 6. And if that isn't enough, it's surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Virginia. Dubbed the Jewel of the Blue Ridge, the man-made lake reached capacity March 7, 1966. Hickory Hill Vineyards. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Sales and service of all types of PWCs, parts, accessories and. The water depth at the dam is recorded as 200 feet on that day. 3. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. Construction on the Dam began in 1959. Review. With 4 distinct seasons, low taxes, low crime, and traffic a non-issue, Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to live. Lakefront resort at Smith Mountain Lake. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. -It was a very solitude trail, that dam just made our trip. Stop by Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center for a tour of. Dam construction began in 1960. Looking up toward Smith Mountain Dam. Niburg says the lake is a great. Questions & Answers. Evaporation rates at the lake are substantial – about 73M gallons a day. They have a nice museum type room that explains all the,history. By michaelaB3470SP. (tastings from noon to 2 p. American Honey: Live music at Los Amigos Bar & Grill at Crazy Horse Marina. 4. Smith Mountain Lake homes for sale can range anywhere from $68,000 to $11 million, creating a total market value of almost $463 million. The Smith Mountain Lake area is approximately 5,000 acre public hunting and fishing area located on one of the region’s most beautiful and most prominent geologic features at the southeast end of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties near Roanoke, Virginia. The Dam Grill on Facebook. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. water is pumped back from Leesville Lake into Smith Mountain Lake dam via the pipe in the middle of the dam The reservoir is designed so water above 795 feet in elevation will flow over the spillway. 9:30-11 a. That’s in contrast to a run-of-river dam such as the much smaller 50-megawatt Leesville Dam 17 miles east, where water simply flows through spinning. Source: 2265524729 / shutterstock Smith Mountain Lake. See what other travelers are saying. Here you’ll discover cuisines ranging from American grill to Asian fusion to Mexican and Italian, plus quirky food trucks, mom-and-pop ice cream shops and farmer’s markets, each with. See all. The development, proposed by Willard Investment Properties, would include 30 single-family homes and a. On September 24, 1963, the Smith Mountain Dam was closed and the lake began to form. #11 Best Value of 321 places to stay in Sandy Level. W80°. Kerr. Typically there are over one thousand land lots and homes for sale on Smith Mountain Lake. With its stunning natural surroundings and endless recreational opportunities, Smith Mountain Lake has become famous for its outdoor adventures,. for Smith Mountain Lake or landward of the 620 foot contour line projected into project waters for Leesville Lake. THE ADJUSTED RESERVOIR ELEVATION WAS 793. the flow rate at the usgs gauge at brookneal was 721 cfs, stage 4. Capacity was reached on March 7, 1966 and the lake became the recreational capital of Southwest Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake Tributary monitoring stations. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. Smith Mountain Lake Stripers are ferocious fighters and can be caught all year long. 6:30 to 9:30 p. The center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. The Smith Mountain Lake Dam created the lake. This means that when Smith Mountain generates power by passing water through the turbines, the Smith Mountain lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. Hidden Valley Trail. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. comThe very popular Smith Mountain Lake is an impoundment of the Roanoke River. 20, Saturday. Home. This time we paid a little more and got a lake front cabin. Divers and remote-operated vehicles explored both sides of the dam to assure that 52-year-old structure is still in perfect working order. Since then, the area has grown into an upscale lakefront community with high-end homes, retail and commercial developments, and a host of recreational facilities. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Information regarding boating and fishing access sites and the waterbodies and parks they inhabit as to allow you to find a location for your water recreation activities. Public assistance sought in locating stolen trailer. It’s only a few minutes in length. On 7 March 1966. 10 reviews . This is the second year for the Runners face uphill battles in Dam 50K and 5KThe Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. See all. Smith Mountain Lake Dam utilizes pumped-storage hydroelectricity by which water that is released downstream can be pumped back into Smith Mountain Lake for re-use. Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia has 500 miles of shoreline. So far, it’s done an excellent job of providing both power and pastimes to the state. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. Now available as an Android and iPhone app! One Year One Month One Week. Smith Mountain Lake Although there is no hard evidence of the rumored town of Monroe beneath Virginia’s beloved Smith Mountain Lake, many still believe that the truth lies beneath the water. as of 05:00 this morning thursday november 23, 2023, inflow to the smith mountain project was 1283 cfs and the discharge from leesville 501 cfs. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in FraSmith Mountain Lake State Park: What a gorgeous park and campground - See 107 traveler reviews, 86 candid photos, and great deals for Huddleston, VA, at Tripadvisor. 0. Figure A. Smith Mountain Lake. 552 contributions. Your Captains. Smith Mountain Dam houses five hydroelectric generators with a combined installed capacity of 560 MW. 76 mi) Best Dam View at Smith Mountain Lake!!! (1. A hydroelectric dam was constructed by Appalachian Power Co. . Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. 9. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. m. Numbered and lighted channel markers are mounted on pilings along Smith Mountain Lake’s two main river channels (Roanoke and Blackwater) and its major creeks (Craddock and Witcher near the dam, Walton Creek near R22, Gills Creek midway up the Blackwater, Bull Run and Little Bull Run on the Penhook side, and Beaverdam Creek. 4. It is located 30 miles south of Roanoke and is bordered by 500 miles of shoreline in Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania counties. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. That is 14 miles. This town was founded by a man known as Abner Anthony in 1818. In Stock. of Conservation & Recreation. m. Waller Mill Pond. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for the calm waters and quiet tributaries that make for great fishing. Dogs are able to be on the trail but must remain on a leash at all times. In addition to Little Bit, other islands included in the project are Bar Island (near Smith Mountain Dam), Brides Island (the third in a series near channel marker R4), Bird Island (near Vista Pointe) and Cup. Figure A. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in Franklin County whThe construction of a dam in the gap of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, had been considered as early as the 1920s. It houses five turbine/generator units that can produce more than 605 megawatts of power. the flow rate at the usgs gauge at brookneal was 1760 cfs, stage 5. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. Washington HWY, Moneta VA 24121, 434-426-1520, mySMLteam. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for the lake, which spans 40 miles in length and more than 500 miles of shoreline. Then, water is. Lakeside has plans to add more trucks, personnel and regional coverage this year as the craft beer revolution gains further footing in Southwest Virginia. We only went there to see the dam. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. 7. Mitchell's Restaurant at Smith Mountain Lake is accessible by land or water. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for the Class of 2024. Filters. A team of officials surveys the future site of Smith Mountain Dam in 1960, the year that the Smith Mountain Project began construction on the border of Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. Very good. Nagy, a Johnson City, Tennessee resident and U. That is a 28-mile roundtrip. 7 miles from Smith Mountain Lake. ). 8 miles upstream from the alpine glacial limit. Appalachian Power operates the Smith Mountain Lake Dam and sometimes needs to pull water back into the lake from downstream. By johnsquan. These tours can be conducted within a 25-mile radius of the airport and include sights of the Smith Mountain Dam, the Peaks of Otter, the D-Day Memorial or even your own lake house. Smith Mountain Dam, VA USGS 1:24K Topographic Map Preview: Click on map above to begin viewing in our Map Viewer. Every angler has a chance to win on the hour. Smith Mountain Lake level graph, updated hourly. 7 oz. Children are welcome to participate in instructor-led pony carousel rides around the lake and pond. In the Summertime, it's mostly shaded and very few views of Smith Mountain Lake along the way. These levels reflect the connection. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. -2 p. Fortunately for beer and wine enthusiasts, Smith Mountain Lake is surrounded by several top-notch breweries and vineyards, some close by and all within driving distance. Finished in 1966, the lake quickly became a hub of Virginia recreation. The lake was created in 1966 when engineers dammed the Blackwater and Roanoke rivers, flooding Smith Mountain Gap. 6-meter-high (235-foot-high) dam, which has three 7. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Take Route 24 East exit to Stewartsville , and on to Rt 122 South. A1. Arcadia is noted among history buffs for its richly illustrated texts. Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and. The team then moved to Leesville Lake, which is on the other side of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta: See 333 reviews, articles, and 187 photos of Smith Mountain Lake, ranked No. 65 mi) Breathtaking views of Smith Mtn all year long! Perfect for families - sleeps 13! (1. John H. 22' and at altavista 618 cfs, stage 1. They have a small exhibit inside that highlights the dam's functionality, and there are also outdoor paths to walk that offer great views of the dam and. Beautiful Lake. These are a few tips to make sure new boaters. The dam was beautiful and the trip -wouldn’t of been worth it without seeing the dam. The lake has many coves, perfect to spend the weekend or the entire week. The reporter, Susan Lewis Flinner, passed away in 2014 at the age of 74. In Winter without the leaves, there's a few views of SMLTry the Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area. 4. The Lake is included in a report that includes 70,000 acres of Virginia's lakes and ponds, and more than 1,800 miles of rivers. The lake is man made but the scenery is beautiful. It’s all here and it’s free in the 2023 SML Newcomer and Visitor Guide! Read and download it now or request a free printed copy. 91 mi) Holiday Inn Express Jasper (1. S. Gills Creek District Supervisor Bob Camicia stands on the docks at. The barrier’s warning signs are now underwater and out of Barrier falls at SML dam | Local News | smithmountaineagle. 297. On April 21, 1964, water had reached 145 feet deep and rising up the face of Smith Mountain Dam. With more than 20,000 acres of pristine waters and 500 miles of picturesque shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise located at the foot of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. One must wonder if economic conditions were right and Anthony was successful, the population density of Monroe would have prevented the construction of Smith Mountain Dam, and no lake. Figure 6. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Chili tastings, craft vendors, shopping, live music. m. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. 8 miles from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. Leesville Lake is a reservoir in Virginia used for hydroelectric power generation in conjunction with Smith Mountain Lake as a pump storage project. com or call 540.