ROANOKE, Va., Jan. 21, 2026 – Water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers could rise rapidly starting Friday, Jan. 23, and may fluctuate through the following week. Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is alerting boaters, fishermen and other recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams to be prepared for changing conditions.
The National Weather Service is forecasting frigid temperatures. PJM Interconnection (PJM), an independent regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid in 13 states, has notified APCo that it may request increased power generation at its hydroelectric plants to help maintain regional grid reliability if needed.
Current water levels at the Smith Mountain Project and Claytor Dam will not affect APCo’s ability to generate power; however, downstream impacts are possible. Below Claytor Dam, water levels could increase up to two feet in a matter of minutes. Below Leesville Dam, water levels could rise as much as eight feet in roughly seven hours. Those considering recreating on the rivers should monitor AEP’s website for additional information.
Claytor Dam, located on the New River in Pulaski County, is operated by APCo and has a total installed generating capacity of 76 megawatts. Leesville Dam, with a generating capacity of 50 megawatts, is part of the Smith Mountain Project, a 636-megawatt pumped-storage hydroelectric facility on the Roanoke River.