Low Water Navigation Hazards
Article submitted by Neil Harrington & Mark McGlothlin
Due to the extended drought, Smith Mountain Lake water levels are running well below full pond, requiring special care by everyone using the lake.
Boat operators should stick to marked channels. Many shoals are now exposed. Areas that can be safely crossed at or near full pond are now run-aground hazards. Tree roots and rocks which were previously safely below the surface now lurk just inches below, waiting to take a bite out of your prop or, worse, damage your boat bottom.
When you are running up and down the lake, stick to deep water and marked channels. When pulling into coves or other shallow areas, slow down and proceed with caution.
Another safety issue that arises as water levels drop is the number of floating docks that break away from their moorings and float free, even in main channels. The SML Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue, DWR and AEP have received a number of calls about floating hazards to navigation. Most of these have turned out to be derelict docks which have become separated from their moorings as water levels have
fallen. They represent a significant hazard to navigation, especially at night.
Check floaters periodically to ensure they remain securely fastened. We also recommend putting waterproofed contact information someplace visible so that float-away docks can be returned to their owners.
Night navigation requires extra caution when the water is low. We continue to rely on lighted channel markers as we make our way around the lake. You may encounter lights which are out of service or have changed since the last time you were on the lake. Make sure you use current maps, take care to preserve your night vision, and operate at speeds appropriate to severely reduced visibility.
Finally, take extra care when using launch ramps and loading and unloading gear and crew. Climbing down from a fixed dock to a floater becomes a much more difficult maneuver with water levels three to four feet or more below normal. Using a ladder for access to a floater is especially risky.
Please report debris and other navigation hazards as follows:
- TLAC phone: 540-721-4400
- Smith Mountain Lake Debris: navigation@sml.us.com
- Leesville Lake Debris: debris@lvl.us.com
- Report immediate hazards outside of business hours directly to AEP at 800-956-4237
About the authors: Now relocated, Neil Harrington was a licensed captain and first responder with SML Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Mark McGlothlin is Sr. Plant Support Specialist at AEP and supervises Marine Operations He is a long-term member of the SMLA Water Safety Council.
