The dam was built by Appalachian Power (a division of American Electric Power) between 1960 and 1963 for the purposes of pumped-storage hydroelectricity. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the. Share. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the ticket to fun your family is looking for. Reports. 2-5 p. W79°. Smith Mountain Lake presents a myriad of ownership opportunities. 8 miles upstream from the alpine glacial limit. Cow Pie Bingo raises $10,000 for local student scholarships. read more. At right, a closer look at the 71. Alexander L. This means that it’s accessible from a variety of roads, but the visitor center is located along Route 908, right off of. 8-mile Fountain Creek Trail, and the 1. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Front Door Properties brokered by Wainwright & CO. From $15 an hour. LOCATION: Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center is located at the eastern edge of the lake in Pittsylvania County, off Rt. Trails overlook the water as do campsites and cabins. My wife and I had the best time renting a boat from Bridgewater Marina and hanging out on the Smith Mountain Lake over. 10' thick at the top 32' thick at the base 235' tall 816' span. 1. With over 500 miles of wonderfully scenic waterfront property. Experience the outstanding natural beauty of the Smith Mountain Lake region by planning a hiking or biking adventure. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. Dam construction began in 1960. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. The senior football players from Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy (SMLCA) finished their last game. . Water temperatures also remain warm. Leesville Lake is absolutely beautiful. 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. - See 107 traveler reviews, 86 candid photos, and great deals for Huddleston, VA, at Tripadvisor. -It was a very solitude trail, that dam just made our trip. , Sandy Level, Virginia. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960’s and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed. Smith Mountain Lake, which was created by the dam, is the largest lake contained entirely within the state of Virginia, and about 22,000 year-round residents now live along its shore. The visitors center at Smith Mountain is open to the public with a view overlooking the dam. Public assistance sought in locating stolen trailer. Learn more. as of 05:00 this morning monday november 20, 2023, inflow to the smith mountain project was 453 cfs and the discharge from leesville 492 cfs. That record was also hit in 2016. Nature & Wildlife Areas. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. LOCATION: Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center is located at the eastern edge of the lake in Pittsylvania County, off Rt. Image credit: Pixabay. ”. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. , Suite 1 Hardy, VA 24101. 8-mile Fountain Creek Trail, and the 1. And it wouldn't be boasting to say that the natural beauty of Smith Mountain Lake is becoming famous. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. It is the largest lake in the state and covers an impressive 20,600 acres. By johnsquan. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. The dam was built by Appalachian Power between 1960 and 1963 for the purposes of pumped-storage. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp. Striped bass have been stocked into this reservoir since impoundment in 1963. The dam overlook IS worth it. $14. The dam overlook IS worth it. Questions & Answers. SML Walk to End Poverty: 5K and 10K walk and run to benefit Lake Christian Ministries at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Finished in 1966, the lake quickly became a hub of Virginia recreation. The staff is nice. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. 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. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Appalachian Power deploys divers on Friday to make an underwater inspection of the Smith Mountain Dam. AEP WILL DRAWDOWN CLAYTOR LAKE STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST, AT A RATE OF 1. 54 mi) SureStay Hotel by Best Western Jasper; View all hotels near Lewis-Smith Lake & Dam on TripadvisorBARTENDERS AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE - IMMEDIATE OPENINGS. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. One of the lake community’s most popular events will showcase award-winning wineries from all across the Virginia region while also playing host to a variety of food vendors, artisans and. Zillow has 145 homes for sale in Moneta VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. During a tour of Smith Mountain Dam, Laker writer Jerry Hale (from right) and Dave Bailey, energy production supervisor, talk with two workers inside the plant. Watch the movie to orient yourself to the project. Chili tastings, craft vendors, shopping, live music. 34 Figure 6. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. Smith Mountain Lake Reaches “Full Pond”. , Sandy Level, Virginia. Under low in-flow conditions, the surface elevation at Smith Mountain Lake may fall below 793 feet. Washington HWY, Moneta VA 24121, 434-426-1520, mySMLteam. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. Making of the beds is the responsibility of the guest. Located about 10 miles off Virginia 40 in Sandy Level, Off the beaten path, the SM Dam is an educational adventureThe floating boat barrier that keeps boaters away from Smith Mountain Lake’s forebay between the Bedford and Pittsylvania County sides of the 800-foot-wide gap was broken Friday night by high. From Richmond: Take Route 460 West to Lynchburg. Forty miles long, the lake features 500 miles of shoreline, of which 275 miles lie in. Wineries & Vineyards. 23, 1962. Source: 2265524729 / shutterstock Smith Mountain Lake. 122 bridge. Compare 8 available, short term cabins for rent, starts from $55. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. Smith Mountain Lake Dam #1 of 3 things to do in Sandy Level 9 reviews. That record was also hit in 2016. Effective 11/20/2023 at 16:05. Smith Mountain Lake Dam, Sandy Level: See 8 reviews, articles, and 9 photos of Smith Mountain Lake Dam, ranked No. 32 Figure 6. It’s 235 feet tall and 30 feet thick at the base and houses five hydroelectric generators that can produce a combined 605 megawatts of power. m. Dept. Population: 22,000 Lake Size: 32 square miles & 500 miles of shoreline Average Depth: 55 feet. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. 3553 Trading Post Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104-3360 +1 540-296-0664 Website. 1. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. 0. Sign up for free email alerts. Go on and be adventurous! Smith Mountain Lake Airport – 540. 1. Follow the Lynchburg directions above. It passes from the upper lake through turbines of Smith Mountain Dam into the lower lake. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. Upon arriving, go to the Visitor’s Center. Mariners Landing is also located close to the Smith Mountain Lake Dam and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Parking is limited at Salthouse. comThe dam created Smith Mountain Lake as its reservoir, where recreation and real estate have become popular. Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. 73 feet. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Smith Mountain Lake State Park, VA. New. Smith Mountain Gap, as seen July 15, 1960, was an isolated place surrounded by farmland when it was chosen as the site of an innovative hydroelectric plant built by Appalachian Power Co. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). 5/8/1962. 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. m. Destination. You can hike along the shore at the State Park as well as the shore of the Community Park, take a cruise on the lake, tour the Visitor Center at Smith Mountain Dam, see a movie at a drive-in or indoor theater, or enjoy browsing through the many art. The approximately 7-foot wide trail can be accessed from Philpott Dam (Franklin County side) or Salthouse Branch Park. At 5:03 a. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. You’ll find it in central Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains; from Washington DC, it’s about four hours southwest. “The problem there was that the lake fluctuates too much so that you get a lot of shallow areas. 7. May 19, 2022 Updated Jun 29, 2023. 7-mile Dam Trail. Smith Mountain is the first Appalachian project to utilize the pumped storage concept. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. 7 oz. 33 Figure 6. Share. This town was founded by a man known as Abner Anthony in 1818. Welcome to the breathtakingly beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, where the vast expanse of crystal-clear water meets the lush green forests to create an enchanting. Dams. Dissolved oxygen depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. Mitchell's Restaurant. Things to Do: hiking, camping,. Follow Rt. Anyone interested in adopting a channel marker or a. 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. The surrounding area is also scenic. Dogs are able to be on the trail but must remain on a leash at all times. With over 500 miles of wonderfully scenic waterfront property, Smith Mountain Lake presents a myriad of ownership opportunities. Adjacent docks with opposing slips share the same fairway. The dam created Smith. Get it Oct 24 - 26. $230 - 1 hour. Your satisfaction is first and foremost to the Oliver family, who have owned and operated the marina since 1996. #11 Best Value of 321 places to stay in Sandy Level. 29'. The Leesville Dam regulates the Smith Mountain Lake's outflows and. S. Smith Mountain Lake State Park. the adjusted reservoir elevation was 793. “This is a clean but dated motel. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. May 6, 2023. History. 8:45 a. . It wasn't until nearly six years after this image that Smith Mountain Lake would be fully formed. Close by are SML State Park and SML Community Park, each offering lakeside trails suitable for the whole family. Presentation of 2019 monitoring data for Smith Mountain Lake and tributaries; trophic state parameters (TP, CHL-a, SD), bacteria and algae, along with depth profiles of T, DO. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. 16430 Booker T. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Zillow has 127 homes for sale in Moneta VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. Also near the park are the Booker T. On April 21, 1964, water had reached 145 feet deep and rising up the face of Smith Mountain Dam. 2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Sandy Level. Get more information on the Smith Mountain Project and the Visitor Center. Insiders’ Guide 2023 SML THINGS TO DO SML LODGING Smith Mountain Lake is a refreshingly different destination in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Weather conditions continue to contribute to wildfire concerns. Lunch is served. 297. This is quite a beautiful lake, we were camped in Smith Mountain Lake State Park and rented a runabout for a day to explore the lake. They have a nice museum type room that explains all the,history. Learn more. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and took a crew of 200 six years to move the 300,000 cubic yards of earth and forest to make room for. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. On the main (Roanoke) river channel, markers begin near the Smith Mountain Dam with R-2, found on the right (starboard) side as a boater proceeds upriver from the dam’s safety barrels. People come from miles just to feed the fish, grab a bite to eat and take in. These fast-moving fighter jets are based out of. Construction on the Dam began in 1959. Mariners Landing Resort sits on the edge of Smith Mountain Lake, providing guests the opportunity to experience. The restaurant scene at Smith Mountain Lake is deliciously dynamic, with dozens of spots to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner both off and on the water. 3-mile Lake Trail, the 1. Water flows down to the turbines through the dam’s distinctive, 26-foot-wide tubes. It’s 235 feet tall and 30 feet thick at the base and houses five hydroelectric generators that can produce a combined 605 megawatts of power. The barrier’s warning signs are now underwater and out of Barrier falls at SML dam | Local News | smithmountaineagle. m. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. Offering 20-minute flights from the dam to the Hales Ford Bridge. Reviews Q&A. 6. To find out more or book your flight over Smith Mountain Lake call or text SML Aviation owner Jason Grieff at. Very good. It is 40 miles long and covers 20,00 acres. This is a very nice campground tucked in the hills surrounding Smith Mountain. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. When people ask about hiking Smith Mountain, this is the trail we recommend. Skip the crowds and still have all the lake fun, incl a boat-up marina with food, drink, music. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. Hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center: (5. 2072 Ford Rd, Sandy Level, VA 24161-4238. See pricing and listing details of Smith Mountain Lake real estate for sale. Get it as soon as Friday, Oct 27. Anyone who has spent enough time at Smith Mountain Lake likely has spotted military aircraft passing overhead. It expands for 40 miles and offers 500 miles of shoreline. The live bait techniques used to catch striped bass vary depending on the time of year. , Moneta VA 24121 • (540) 296-0500 AllSizeStorageBedford. These levels reflect the connection. A detailed and delicate dance through history brought about SML. Power generation was suspended at the dam as inspections were underway. 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. Bernard’s Landing. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center 10 reviews #2 of 3 things to do in Sandy Level Dams Closed now 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Write a review About Suggested. That is 14 miles. It is located 30 miles south of Roanoke and is bordered by 500 miles of shoreline in Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania counties. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for the calm waters and quiet tributaries that make for great fishing. This trail was one of my favorites at smith mountain lake, definitely beats the trails we went on at the smith mtn lake state park. Maximum height: 235 feet above the streambed. . This magnificent 1,000-acre community resort is surrounded by the beautiful peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlooks the waters of gorgeous Smith Mountain Lake. Follow the Lynchburg directions above. Learn more. We only went there to see the dam. Hike to the top of Smith Mountain for a view of the lake and dam at the SML Cooperative Wildlife Trail or explore. Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking trails. Lakefront development approved by supervisors. For live bait fishing purposes, you should use at least 12-pound test line or greater. And if that isn't enough, it's surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and. By michaelaB3470SP. From Greensboro, NC: Take US 220 North to Rocky Mount, VA and then take Route 40 East for about 1/2 mile to Route 122. Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's most popular recreational lake. Closed now : See all hours. Our expert Smith Mountain Lake striper fishing guides, Lead Captain Daniel Berthiaume and Captain Doug Schmidt, hold U. It is located southeast of Roanoke, and southwest of Lynchburg. Smith Mountain Lake and its little sister Leesville Lake were created as a package. Smith Mountain Lake has gained national attention for its striped bass fishery, which is the second most popular sport fish at 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). What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in Smith Mountain Lake? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Smith Mountain Dam is known as a pump-storage facility. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. Feel free to stop by the wildlife blind for a quiet moment of observation. 95. a Map showing tributary sites below Smith Mountain Lake Dam. of 1. You can also catch special programs at the amphitheater or. 1. Dams. 3. The Dam at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia was shot with my Mavic Pro in 4KAmazing View, Quiet Cove of Bernards Landing, Sandy Beach, 3 Kings and Twin Bunk. Lynchburg Powersports at Smith Mountain Lake, 16889 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy. The company purchases 1,500 acres in Bedford County and. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. (WSET) — The victim from a drowning in Smith Mountain Lake on Monday morning has been identified as a 51-year-old man from Portland, Oregon, officials said. #21 Best Value of 322 places to stay in Sandy Level. If you’re looking for an off-water excursion for out-of-town guests, especially kids, consider taking a trip to Smith Mountain Dam. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. The Dam Grill on Facebook. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public. It can be rented from 8 a. to dusk. Filter searches for your preferred dates and budget then enjoy exploring available properties. 10 a. This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Appalachian Power has completed repairs to a floating boat barrier that flipped underwater near the Smith Mountain Lake Dam last month. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. List Your Property. One of the prettiest sights near Smith Mountain Lake is the view from. at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Franklin County, 540. APPENDIX. 4. pH depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. Access from Silver Dollar Lane in Huddleston gives you the opportunity to trek to the top of the mountain and then. Browse 22 smith mountain lake dam photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. The Bedford County Regional Water Authority (BRWA) Smith Mountain Lake Water Treatment Facility currently withdraws about 1. m. , the dam’s purpose was to create electricity from. The park includes a beach and almost two miles of walking trails, hiking, jogging, picnicking, a playground, and a partly covered, handicap accessible fishing pier with seating. There are amazing bazillionaire mansions all over the shore of. ). 17 hours ago · “A new downstream fish passage facility at Howard Hanson Dam is the single most impactful project that (the US Army Corps of Engineers) can take to benefit Puget Sound salmon and orca recovery without negatively impacting other user groups,” Seattle District Commander Col. Smith Mountain Lake near Rocky Mount, Virginia, provides 500 miles of shoreline to one of Virginia's most popular recreation areas. Cabin Rentals with Hot Tubs in Smith Mountain Lake. Kids love miniature golf, and there are multiple places to play at Smith Mountain Lake. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. 626 to Rt. C180 Seaplane. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. 21' AND AT ALTAVISTA 618 CFS, STAGE 1. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of shoreline. The hydroelectric dam consists of. Beautiful Smith Mountain lake. Several cabins are also available for rent that can provide an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy nature or spend time with family or friends. Call 540-985-2587 for hours. See all. This visitor center for the Smith Mountain Lake Project Dam is a little gem. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex. Nagy, a Johnson City, Tennessee resident and U. 122 bridge. 2016 / 2017 Series. 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. Arcadia is noted among history buffs for its richly illustrated texts. The project boundary at Leesville is to elevation 620 feet. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. While there is a lot of fish still in the main basin around the dam, a lot of fish have moved up the river arms to feed before the water. Waller Mill Park. 8. A1. It can be rented from 8 a. March 7, 1966: The lake reached full pond (795 feet) Area: 20,260 acres. 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. This area encompasses nearly 5,000 acres in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties, which is split into two areas on both sides of the Smith Mountain Dam. 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. Review. Ramulose Ridge Vineyards. Easy booking process on-line and arrived to such a friendly and professional staff. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Jason Emmel, of Louisa, Virginia, broke the state record catching a 66-pound, 5-ounce blue catfish with a bow and arrow, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Most largemouth bass are between 8 and 17 inches but there is a fair number of larger fish up 22 inches. Abstract and Figures. Login/Register; Home; What’s New. 16 photos · 66,639 views. In the past month, the lake’s level has not been above 792 feet, which is more than 3 feet below full pond. A couple days ago I tied a few orange ribbons to reveal hidden sections of the unmaintained part of the trail beyond the towers. Roanoke is believed to be of Algonquin Indian origin, and was known by many names in the past, including the ignoble “River of Death. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Evaporation rates at the lake are substantial – about 73M gallons a day. 4 BR: LAKE ALLURE - Lake Front Home, Private Dock, Hot Tub, Fitness Area, Pet-Friendly. Most striped bass are caught between the dam and buoy R80 of the Roanoke Arm and up to buoy B44 of the Blackwater. Smith Mountain Lake Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. 02 feet/hour). The non-lakefront. 77. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. $405 - 1 hour. 9. Dam construction began in 1960. Current level is 792. com or call 540. Dubbed the Jewel of the Blue Ridge, the man-made lake reached capacity March 7, 1966. 9. The 40-mile-long lake first reached its “full pond” level of 795 feet above sea level in 1966. 7. $5 for ages 6 and older. SML 50 years Gallery 2. Or, you can let someone else take the reins during an old-fashioned carriage ride. The giant project, which began in 1960, is complete. // 16430 Booker T. But the true beauty of Smith Mountain Lake is how diverse it is. 22' and at altavista 618 cfs, stage 1. When hydroelectric power was of top priority about 50 years ago, the damming process began on the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers. , 272 Westlake Rd. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. Coordinates: 37°03′26″N 79°35′47″W Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, [3] United States, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. (The others, in order, are Middle, Beach and Bellavista. Follow Rt. 1 of 6. The two dams will form a hydroelectric power unit, with the smaller Leesville operation repumping water to the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir to be used again for power generation. Dam Lager will be crafted by John Bryce, who's earned. . A generous fall of rain and good runoff of show had raised the lake level to an elevation of 782. 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. Yes, anyone who loves Smith Mountain Lake will appreciate it even more after seeing it as the circling hawks do. 8 miles from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. Hidden Valley Trail. . Electricity is produced using pumped storage with Smith Mountain Lake serving as the upper reservoir and Leesville Lake as the lower one. Overnight and other accommodations at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.