SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. \u2013 Recent rainfall around Smith Mountain Lake has provided only limited relief to historically low water levels that continue to impact boating and businesses around the lake.<\/p>\n
The lake received significant rainfall over the weekend, but lake levels remain about five feet below normal, according to Appalachian Power spokesperson Izzy Post Ruhland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rain this weekend was really, really helpful, but it didn\u2019t really help raise water levels simply because we\u2019re still in a drought, a severe drought,\u201d Ruhland said. \u201cAll the ground is soaking up all that water, and there\u2019s not enough runoff to go into the lake just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the recent storms, signs of the drought remain visible across the lake. Boat ramps that would normally sit underwater remain dry, with some extending tens of feet from the shoreline before reaching the water.<\/p>\n
Captain Lee Adkins of Sea Tow said conditions have improved slightly in some areas, but not enough to significantly ease concerns.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery little bit helps,\u201d Adkins said. \u201cI noticed coming in at Gills Creek looked a little better today. But it\u2019s not enough. It\u2019s going to help, but it\u2019s not enough to cure the condition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Low water levels have also created challenges for boat owners attempting to launch watercraft. In some cases, boats cannot even be lowered into the water because ramps no longer extend far enough, and lifts can\u2019t lower boats far enough to reach the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour trailer tires will drop off the end of that concrete, and it\u2019s hard to get them back up,\u201d Adkins said. \u201cPeople even tear their axles trying to pull them back up. You can\u2019t put so much pressure on all that. Something will break.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ongoing drought has also affected businesses that rely on lake traffic. Adkins said activity on the water has declined compared to previous years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think in general business has been a little down, and I think that\u2019s attributed to the traffic being down on the lake,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Still, Adkins said boating on Smith Mountain Lake remains safe for those who use caution and remain alert to changing conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s safe for people,\u201d he said. \u201cUse your good judgment. Be a little more on the lookout than you normally would have been.\u201d<\/p>\n
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