VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

In Virginia, the status of major reservoirs is a critical concern, especially given the variability in seasonal weather patterns. The Philpott Reservoir at Philpott Dam and the Little River Reservoir near Radford are two key water bodies that are closely monitored. As of the latest data from December 5, 2025, there are noticeable deviations from average storage levels. Philpott Reservoir, typically at an average water surface elevation of 972.34 feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 1929), is currently recorded at 966 feet. Meanwhile, the Little River Reservoir, with an expected average of 1771.91 feet above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 1988), is slightly below normal at 1771 feet. These measurements suggest that both reservoirs are experiencing lower storage levels than is typical for this time of year.

The abnormal conditions observed at these Virginia dams may be attributed to several factors, including lower-than-expected precipitation or possibly reduced snowpack in the upstream catchment areas that feed into these reservoirs. A deficit in snowpack can lead to decreased river flows, subsequently impacting reservoir levels. While the deviations at the Little River Reservoir are minimal, the more significant drop at Philpott Reservoir warrants attention, as persistent lower levels could affect water availability for municipal and ecological purposes. It's crucial for stakeholders to continuously monitor these conditions and cross-reference with hydrological data on precipitation, snowpack, and river flows to ascertain the underlying causes and potential long-term impacts. If these trends continue, they may necessitate the implementation of water management strategies or conservation measures to safeguard against potential water shortages and preserve the health of the ecosystems reliant on these reservoirs.

Virginia has numerous reservoirs and dams that serve as sources of drinking water, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, and Lake Gaston. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Roanoke River, the North Anna River, and the Roanoke Rapids. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains, which receive significant snowfall during the winter months. This snowpack contributes to streamflow during the spring and summer months, which in turn helps to fill the reservoirs. However, drought conditions can also impact the water levels in these reservoirs, as was seen in the early 2000s when severe drought led to record low water levels in many of Virginia's reservoirs. Seasonal trends in Virginia's reservoirs are largely dependent on precipitation patterns. During the wetter months, water levels in the reservoirs tend to rise, while during the drier months, water levels may drop. Overall, Virginia's reservoirs play a crucial role in the state's water supply and are closely monitored to ensure adequate water resources for the surrounding communities.

Virginia has numerous reservoirs and dams that serve as sources of drinking water, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, and Lake Gaston. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Roanoke River, the North Anna River, and the Roanoke Rapids.

The hydrology of the area is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains, which receive significant snowfall during the winter months. This snowpack contributes to streamflow during the spring and summer months, which in turn helps to fill the reservoirs. However, drought conditions can also impact the water levels in these reservoirs, as was seen in the early 2000s when severe drought led to record low water levels in many of Virginia's reservoirs.

Seasonal trends in Virginia's reservoirs are largely dependent on precipitation patterns. During the wetter months, water levels in the reservoirs tend to rise, while during the drier months, water levels may drop. Overall, Virginia's reservoirs play a crucial role in the state's water supply and are closely monitored to ensure adequate water resources for the surrounding communities.