Smith Mountain Lake is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is a beautiful, 40-mile long, 20,600 acre lake, with 500 miles of shoreline located in rural southwestern Virginia. The lake was created to generate electricity, and to help manage water flows downstream and nearby. Smith Mountain lake was formed by damming the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers. The filling process that began on September 24, 1963 -- and ended almost 2.5 years later on March 7, 1966.
Smith Mountain Lake's deepest point is about 250 feet, near the dam itself. The "average" depth is 55 feet . Outside the lake's many coves, 80-150 feet is typical. Because of the cleanness of the lake and inviting temperatures, swimming is enjoyed from May through September. It is a boating and fishing paradise as well.
In spite of the resort atmosphere of Smith Mountain Lake, it is home to about 18,000 permanent residents. The lake includes three Virginia counties: Franklin County, Bedford County, and Pittsylvania County. In winter, the temperature averages around 41 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer, 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Although quickly melting, it snows around 10 inches each year.
The goal of my blog is to share some of the beauty that this part of Virginia has to offer.
Good for you for doing this! You needed a little extra hobby for all your spare time, I know. I never knew how the lake came to be, so you taught me something today! Still trying to find out about the RSS Feed thing.
ReplyDeletehi Bee-Bee,
ReplyDeleteI've been to Smith Mountain Lake. Used to live in Roanoke back in the late 60's, early 70's. Spent a few weekends skiing (or trying to), and boating. I was just a kid then, so I can't remember what friend of my parents had a place there. Anyway, thanks for sharing the pics...and bringing back some fond memories.:)
I am a Roanoke girl, too....we moved out to the lake about three years ago and love it. I like it so much I'm willing to drive into Roanoke 45 minutes every morning to teach school!
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