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How Long Does it Take to Fill a Lake?

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Prudential Waterfront Properties

Smith Mountain LakeI don't know how long it takes to fill just any old lake, but it took almost two and a half years to fill Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Filling of the lake began on September 24, 1963, and ended on March 7, 1966. By damming the Blackwater River and the Roanoke River, Smith Mountain Lake was created for the purpose of generating electricity.  

The 40-mile long lake has about 500 miles of shoreline, much of which is devoted to some of the area's most beautiful homesites. The lake covers 20,600 acres and has 32 square miles of surface, so no wonder it took over two years to fill. Not a filling job for your garden hose! 

Smith Mountain Lake's deepest point is near the dam and is about 250 feet. The average depth of the lake is 55 feet but outside the coves, depths generally run from 80 to 150 feet. 

This gorgeous body of water covers parts of three Virginia counties: Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania. It is 795 feet above sea level at its highest normal level, also known as "pond level". 

Wouldn't it be a dream come true to live on the shores of beautiful Smith Mountain Lake and be able to enjoy not only the water but also all the other great activities that take place in the area all year long? 

To learn more about some of the beautiful homes for sale in the Smith Mountain Lake area, contact Jane Sullivan Horne or visit her website. Jane and her staff can also be reached at 540-493-1690 and are ready to help you find your perfect spot at Smith Mountain Lake, whether for year-round living, a seasonal vacation home, or the retirement home of your dreams.

 

 

 

 

Shannon Lewis
Beringer Realty - Champaign, IL
Realtor, Broker - Champaign-Urbana, IL

Jane, I'm originally from Salem, Virginia and remember spending much time at Smith Mountain Lake with a friend whose family had a house on the lake. I had no idea it took so long to create the lake, though it certainly makes sense! Great localism post!

Aug 22, 2010 01:17 PM
Kevin Henry
Henry Realty - Fort Wayne, IN

It took a year and a half to fill in my one acre pond. This was done just with the natural rain only.

Aug 22, 2010 02:05 PM
Jane Sullivan Horne
Prudential Waterfront Properties - Penhook, VA

Thanks for your comments. All the efforts paid off for SML -the finished product is beautiful and has served the  area well for many years.

Aug 23, 2010 01:33 AM