Its purpose was to hold back the Roanoke River and create electricity, and on March 7, 1966 at 5:03 a. ) and the staff is very friendly. Learn 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. Construction crews work at the Leesville Dam site as well the larger Smith Mountain Lake Dam. 4. Enter dates to see prices. Shoals have become exposed, and the water level has dropped to a point where it has become difficult to launch boats in several areas. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. 79 mi) Wind Family Estate-Setting A New Standard for Luxury Rentals! The Smith Mountain Visitor's Center overlooks the dam and is free and open to the public. . This means that it’s accessible from a variety of roads, but the visitor center is located along Route 908, right off of. Melissa McSherry: Live music at Fables & Feathers Winery. comThe very popular Smith Mountain Lake is an impoundment of the Roanoke River. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. L. Held at the Smith Mountain Lake State. -2 p. Figure A. Claimed. On March 7, 1966, the lake reached “full pond,” and in 1983, Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened. The dam was beautiful and the trip -wouldn’t of been worth it without seeing the dam. , the Franklin County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call to report a missing person, who was last seen around the Smith Mountain Lake area, according to officials. A hydroelectric project by Appalachian Power Co. Smith Mountain Lake has approximately 500 miles of shoreline. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. m. 1. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. Get more information on the Smith Mountain Project and the Visitor Center. 4. 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. 11'. 8. The reporter, Susan Lewis Flinner, passed away in 2014 at the age of 74. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. Abstract and Figures. Cabin Rentals with Hot Tubs in Smith Mountain Lake. m. 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. -It was a very solitude trail, that dam just made our trip. Music, lunch, awards and door prizes. Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is not man-made, but that’s alright – it's stunning all the same. Lake Gaston is third-largest, with 20,300 acres and 350 miles of shoreline. However, the dam's construction did not begin until 1960. 1. This means that it’s accessible from a variety of roads, but the visitor center is located along Route 908, right off of. The overlook of the dam, that’s what made it all worth it. The lake was formed by Appalachian Power's Smith Mountain Pumped Hydro Project. Its purpose was to hold back the Roanoke River and create. #3. Look at the photos. Smith Mountain Lake was created following the construction of a hydroelectric dam for Appalachian Power Company at the confluence of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers located at the base of Smith Mountain. Smith Mountain Dam spans 816 feet across the gap of Smith Mountain. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex. 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. WSET ABC 13 covers news, sports and weather in the Heart of Virginia: Lynchburg, Danville and Roanoke and nearby communities including Amherst, Lexington, Cave Spring. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. As the waters backed up to create Smith Mountain Lake, many islands appeared. Upon arriving, go to the Visitor’s Center. Dubbed the Jewel of the Blue Ridge, the man-made lake reached capacity March 7, 1966. There are 14 back-in and pull-through campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs up to 65 feet long and 11 tent sites. Review. These levels reflect the connection. This flow ultimately collects behind the Leesville dam in Leesville Lake. Reviewed August 6, 2023. The approximately 7-foot wide trail can be accessed from Philpott Dam (Franklin County side) or Salthouse Branch Park. The Smith Mountain development utilizes a two-foot power pool. Children are welcome to participate in instructor-led pony carousel rides around the lake and pond. 07 feet/hour). 2020 Sportsman 247 or 25Ft 2009 Carolina Skiff both of which accommodate fishing parties up to six. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. Smith Mountain Lake presents a myriad of ownership opportunities. Dams. 2. 7. I know they run a frequent generation which. The Roanoke Times file. Three years later the lake reached its mature capacity–producing a spectacular residential location on a breathtaking water basin. One big reason is because fall is so magnificent at Smith Mountain Lake! September brings lower humidity, blue skies and amazing sunrises and sunsets that you just don’t get the rest of the year. Niburg says the lake is a great. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). Value 3. As the oldest commercial vineyard and winery at Smith Mountain Lake, a visit to Hickory Hill Vineyards is a must. 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. The hydroelectric dam. 1. 2017 / 2018 Series. Figure 6. It’s one of the youngest lakes in the U. 7. 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. Hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Dam: (5. The state of Virginia bought the land and opened the park to the public in 1983. Image credit: Pixabay. Also near the park are the Booker T. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. + Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Map. The state park has lots of amenities (beach, interpretive center, cabins, campground, marina, etc. The Leesville Dam regulates the Smith Mountain Lake's outflows and. Share. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Beautiful area and lake. The Furrows first planted vines in. The turbines have a combined capacity of 560 megawatts. $14. Smith Mountain Dam. The dam at Smith Mountain Lake is operated by American Electric Power (AEP), under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Dam, Sandy Level on Tripadvisor: Find 5,298 traveler reviews, 10 candid photos, and prices for 178 hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Dam in Sandy Level, VA. When people ask about hiking Smith Mountain, this is the trail we recommend. Entry and exit points are scattered throughout the park, with signs identifying each. Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. Smith Mountain DamThe Smith Mountain Lake Dam was completed in 1963. to 4 p. Mar 6, 2005. Wakeboarding has become one of the most popular water sports in Smith Mountain Lake, and the area even hosts local competitions throughout the summer. The barrier’s warning signs are now underwater and out of Barrier falls at SML dam | Local News | smithmountaineagle. Sales and service of all types of PWCs, parts, accessories and. Appalachian Power operates the Smith Mountain Lake Dam and sometimes needs to pull water back into the lake from downstream. Browse Getty Images' premium collection of high-quality, authentic Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. 2. 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. Smith Mountain Lake homes for sale can range anywhere from $68,000 to $11 million, creating a total market value of almost $463 million. These Are The 10 Best Family Activities On Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. . 95 $ 14. Smith Mountain Lake is tucked far away in rural SW Virginia but the long drive is worth it. Beautiful lake, amazing houses along the shore. This is a huge lake with lots to do: boat, fish, swim, water ski, and hike. Dining. It’s only a few minutes in length. Wineries & Vineyards. The Bedford County Regional Water Authority (BRWA) Smith Mountain Lake Water Treatment Facility currently withdraws about 1. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke, Virginia. Power generation was suspended at the dam as inspections were underway. SML 50 years Gallery 2. to dusk. . Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). Hickory Hill Vineyards. Smith Mountain Lake Cooperative Wildlife Management Trail. $405 - 1 hour. Coast Guard Licenses and are fully insured as fishing guides. Today, we’re unveiling a complete overhaul of the SML Insiders’ Guide, which has been the go-to resource for those looking for Smith Mountain Lake vacation, recreation and relocation information since it was started by Brian and Erin Raub in 1998. In 1960, Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Close by are SML State Park and SML Community Park, each offering lakeside trails suitable for the whole family. Don in VA If you go to see Smith Mountain Lake Dam DO NOT use Google maps for directions. Beaches, 3 outdoor pools, indoor pool, golf, game room, fitness center, trails and more. 11. 77. 8 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. The surrounding area is also scenic. Maximum height: 235 feet above the streambed. The dam overlook IS worth it. 6-meter-high (235-foot-high) dam, which has three 7. The Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. Kerr Reservoir, located partly in North Carolina, is the largest in Virginia, with a total of 49,000 acres and 800 miles of shoreline. 32 Figure 6. Your Captains. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. The senior football players from Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy (SMLCA) finished their last game. 9-mile Chestnut Ridge Trail, the 2-mile Rolling Meadows Trail, the 1. Leesville Lake has a maximum refill rate of 1. Nearby and along the shore of Smith Mountain Lake there are lots of interesting places to visit and things to do. 10. Ships from and sold by Amazon. Jason Dunovant. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. Notes on photos above. For the past two weeks, Appalachian Power has been conducting an inspection of Smith Mountain Dam. By November 1962, Virginia roads and bridges that would be affected by the lake had been rebuilt. Try the Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area. About Me. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Current level is 792. Karaoke: at Hot Shots Bar & Grill. It wasn't until nearly six years after this image that Smith Mountain Lake would be fully formed. 29'. Gear Check; News; Fishing; Hunting; Regional ReportsSmith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. Population: 22,000 Lake Size: 32 square miles & 500 miles of shoreline Average Depth: 55 feet. Revelle traced the origin of the name of the Roanoke River, one of the waterways now flowing into and through Smith Mountain Lake on its way to the Atlantic. In addition, the water levels at Smith Mountain Lake can rise up to and occasionally exceed the 800 foot contour during periods of high inflow, and fall as low as 787 feet and occasionally. April 13, 1965: Water rises in Smith Mountain Lake behind the dam on the Roanoke River. $5 for ages 6 and older. That record was also hit in 2016. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. Anyone who has spent enough time at Smith Mountain Lake likely has spotted military aircraft passing overhead. The non-lakefront. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Trails overlook the water as do campsites and cabins. Your satisfaction is first and foremost to the Oliver family, who have owned and operated the marina since 1996. What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in Smith Mountain Lake? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. People come from miles just to feed the fish, grab a bite to eat and take in. 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. Dams. The Smith Mountain Visitor's Center overlooks the dam and is free and open to the public. BRUNO'S CLUBHOUSE BISTRO. Follow Rt. 6:30 to 9:30 p. The lake was created in 1963 with the construction of the Smith Mountain Dam on the Roanoke River. 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. From To. com Construction Continues for Smith Mountain Lake Project. Source: 2265524729 / shutterstock Smith Mountain Lake. Evaporation rates at the lake are substantial – about 73M gallons a day. June 8, 2023. m. The Smith Mountain Project is a pumped storage system, where Smith Mountain Lake serves as the upper reservoir and Leesville Lake as the lower reservoir. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. 9. They completed the dam in 1967 and donated some of the surrounding land to form the park. 12 reviews #16 of 30 Restaurants in Moneta $$$$ Italian Armenian. Follow the Lynchburg directions above. 50 years after Smith Mountain Lake's creation, Franklin County is a changed place. APPENDIX. It is 40 miles long and covers 20,00 acres. Home. The Smith Mountain Lake Dam created the lake. The main channels of. , Huddleston, 540-297-6830. Nov. 43 reviews. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. ” Smith Mountain Lake encompasses over 40 miles, holds 20,000 acres of water, and is surrounded by 500 miles of shoreline. 122 bridge. The reservoir is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed primarily for hydroelectric power. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of shoreline. com or call 540. Waller Mill Pond. Nature & Wildlife Areas. 4-mile Deer Island Trail, the 3. This stunning area is owned by Appalachian Power and provides multiple. Slocum’s Appaloosa Ranch, located near Smith Mountain Lake, offers just that with trail riding and horseback riding lessons for locals and travelers alike. 34 Figure 6. Amenities. Leesville Reservoir is a 3,400-acre impoundment located near Altavista Virginia. 76. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. 1. See all. The state park has lots of amenities (beach, interpretive center, cabins, campground, marina, etc. That is 14 miles. Unclaimed. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Browse Getty Images' premium collection of high-quality, authentic Smith Mountain Lake Virginia stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Fairway An area of open water extending outward from an open end of a boat slip intended to provide navigation room for a boat to exit or enter its moorings. 33 Figure 6. General Information On the second largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise. $160 - 1/2 hour. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating 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). “Adequate for the price but the place reeked of cigarette smoke. 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. Sign up for free email alerts. S. 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. In such an extensive body of water, recreation abounds. 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 dam is located in an area where recurrent glaciers mover various distances down the valleys and left a mantle on morainal materials over the older formations. 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. 5/8/1962. Alexander L. 2. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. Questions & Answers. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. 43 reviews. Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's most popular recreational lake. 7 miles from Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Washington National Monument, Smith Mountain Lake Airport and the Waterford and Westlake Country. Orders must be in 10 days prior to reservation. Feel the stress melt away as the abundance of natural light floods in. Smith Mountain Lake Tributary monitoring stations. At run from noon – 2 p. Welcome to the ultimate guide for Smith Mountain Lake events in October! The highlight of this month’s activities is the SML Charity Home Tour, which takes place Oct. Smith Mountain Lake Stripers generally prefer a live shad over other baits/lures and over the years we have "Taxied" shad over the whole lake in order to. Owner Login Franchise. 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. 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. From Richmond: Take Route 460 West to Lynchburg. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain results in Leesville Lake. Huddleston, VA 24104. There are amazing bazillionaire mansions all over the shore of. In. In comparison to other lakes, Smith Mountain Lake is relatively new. Game. The dam was built by Appalachian Power (a division of American Electric Power) between 1960 and 1963 for the purposes of pumped-storage hydroelectricity. Facebook. At the base of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania and Bedford counties is the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Located in portions of Bedford and Pittsylvania Counties, the 4996 acre Smith Mountain property is owned by Appalachian Power Company. Sunset Saturday: Live. As can be seen in Figure 2, the upper reaches of the tributaries are more riverine, while the lower reaches (closer to Smith Mountain Lake Dam) exhibit more lacustrine (lake-like) water quality. The linen package for this home is an additional $158 + tax and includes sheets, pillowcases, 2 bath towels, 1 hand towel and 1 wash cloth per person as well as a kitchen starter kit. Enter dates to see prices. ) and the staff is very friendly. When you cast your line at Smith Mountain Lake, there's a good. Appalachian Power has completed repairs to a floating boat barrier that flipped underwater near the Smith Mountain Lake Dam last month. Easily apply *We are a growing company with lots of opportunities for people who love the hospitality industry. 45 Enterprise Ln, Smith Mountain Lake, Hardy, VA 24101-3973. Reviewed August 6, 2023. Dams. Most striped bass are caught between the dam and buoy R80 of the Roanoke Arm and up to buoy B44 of the Blackwater. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. 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. 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. This is a huge lake with lots to do: boat, fish, swim, water ski, and hike. “The problem there was that the lake fluctuates too much so that you get a lot of shallow areas. Zillow has 145 homes for sale in Moneta VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960’s and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed. Finished in 1966, the lake quickly became a hub of Virginia recreation. Washington HWY, Moneta VA 24121, 434-426-1520, mySMLteam. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination located in the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake Water Level. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Striped Bass - General Discussion and Reports. The hydroelectric dam consists of 175,000 cubic yards of concrete and has the capacity to generate 605 megawatts of electricity for up to 11 hours. Incidents hit a 10-year peak of 110 in 2020 before dropping to 89 last year. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. m. 49 miles away . View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. This reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering a variety of fishing and other recreational opportunities. Compare 8 available, short term cabins for rent, starts from $55. 87 mi) Hampton Inn Jasper, Alabama (3. Between 1966-2015, the reservoir exceeded that level and spilled water less than 20 times. 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. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. comNovember 1962: Construction completed on the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Organizers said they hope the event, sponsored by AEP and the Franklin County YMCA, will start and finish on top of the dam and take runners on a winding route that will include mountain trails. Review of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 7 oz. 16430 Booker T. Browse 108 smith mountain lake virginia photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. $5 cover charge. Appalachian’s project to rebury the dead and relocate the living cost the company between $150,000-$200,000. Service 3. 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. A couple days ago I tied a few orange ribbons to reveal hidden sections of the unmaintained part of the trail beyond the towers. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. Weather conditions continue to contribute to wildfire concerns. As the 2nd largest lake in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination for visitors to Virginia's Blue Ridge and offers many great types of accommodations. Hidden Valley Trail. 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. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for the calm waters and quiet tributaries that make for great fishing. The company purchases 1,500 acres in Bedford County and. pH depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. 51 feet and rising (at a rate of 0. Popular mentions. Yes, anyone who loves Smith Mountain Lake will appreciate it even more after seeing it as the circling hawks do. 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. 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). The Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide has been the premier resource for those looking to vacation at or relocate to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, since 1998. 6. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. With suites, condos, and homes available for both. Level Controlled by: U. 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 largest lake wholly within Virginia, it became a popular residential area and. 4. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. May 19, 2022 Updated Jun 29, 2023. 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. Hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center: (5. >> Learn more about the history of Smith Mountain Lake. 10 reviews . Smith Mountain Lake. Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Lake Facts. First time to try SML and kayaking on Smith Mountain Lake. 1 feet. Easily Find and Book the Perfect SML Accommodations! Use our powerful interactive map to quickly find and compare Smith Mountain Lake rentals, including cabins, cottages, condos and luxury homes, as well as nearby hotels. 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. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. 8 miles upstream from the alpine glacial limit. Bernard’s Landing. Smith Mountain Lake and its little sister Leesville Lake were created as a package. Appalachian Power deploys divers on Friday to make an underwater inspection of the Smith Mountain Dam. 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. Owner Login. 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. Striper Fishing How-To's. Appalachian Power decided to build the dam and create the lake in 1963. Mitchell's Restaurant. John H. Written August 10, 2020.