Bridgewater Pointe - SML

08/29/2026

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia have a Poker Run today that started at Bridgewater Marina. Great cause.

08/25/2026

The Parker’s caught the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch this morning on the Starlink 10-49 mission! Great catch, Parker’s!! Perfect weather for viewing as it crossed by the lake!

08/23/2026

Happy Sunday Lakers! Mother Nature served us up a beauty! ☀️😎☀️

08/15/2026

Virginia Dare t***s her greeting while she passes through Bridgewater Marina! 🚢👋🏻

08/15/2026

A follow up from Smith Mountain Project . . .

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.

08/14/2026

Just in case you missed it . . .

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.

07/27/2026

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

07/18/2026

Despite the lingering smoke from the Canadian wildfires, Pirate Days continues. The Virginia Dare cruised through Bridgewater Marina with no water battle resistance! Enjoy the weekend! ☠️🚢🗡️⚔️🖤🏴‍☠️

07/16/2026

WATER LEVEL UPDATE

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) has received approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a variance related to water releases from the Smith Mountain Project, effective July 22, 2026.

The variance allows APCo to implement Trigger 3 of its Water Management Plan (WMP) before the September 30 date outlined in the plan. This action is part of APCo’s aggressive, proactive approach to conserve water during the ongoing historic drought. To date, measures implemented under the WMP have helped conserve approximately two feet of water elevation within the project.

Under the approved variance, APCo can further reduce water flows downstream of Leesville Dam. While these reduced flows will continue to support downstream ecology, it may affect recreational activities downstream. The variance will remain in effect until Smith Mountain Lake returns to full pond elevation of 795 feet.

We thank you for your continued understanding as we navigate these challenging conditions.

To learn more about the Project and read the WMP, visit http://ms.spr.ly/6185v2YGf