ROANOKE, Va., Feb. 6, 2026 — Appalachian Power Company (APCo) will conduct a required test of its electricity generating units at the Smith Mountain Dam, beginning in the early morning hours on Monday, Feb. 9.
Testing, which is required twice a year, will decrease the Smith Mountain Lake by approximately two feet. APCo will begin pumping water back into Smith Mountain Lake (from Leesville Lake) later in the afternoon on Monday, and as conditions allow. The “pump back” process is expected to be completed sometime on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, the water surface elevation is lower than normal. As a result of these lower levels, recreational boat users who launch from one of the public boat ramps on Smith Mountain Lake early Monday morning, may not be able to get their boat back onto the trailer when they return to the ramp.
PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in the mid-Atlantic region, has also issued a cold-weather alert beginning this weekend and extending into next week in anticipation of frigid temperatures. If PJM calls on APCo to supply additional power to meet higher energy demand, the test will not interfere with APCo’s ability to generate the electricity required.
However, increased flows from Leesville Dam will occur, as necessary, to conduct the test. Also, if called upon to supply additional power, water levels below Claytor Dam 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.