VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

As of the latest observations, Virginia's reservoirs are showing varied conditions with respect to their average water levels. The Philpott Reservoir, located at the Philpott Dam near Philpott, has been recorded at a surface elevation of 967 feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29), which is 5.33 feet below its average level of 972.33 feet. Similarly, the Little River Reservoir near Radford is slightly below its average mark, with a current level of 1771 feet compared to the average of 1771.91 feet, according to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Both measurements were last observed on December 24, 2025. The mild weather in central Virginia, as reported by WTVR.com, could be a contributing factor to the stable and near-average water levels in these reservoirs, as extreme weather events tend to cause more significant fluctuations.

It is important to note that these variations from the average are not indicative of any immediate concerns, given the small discrepancies and the lack of any abnormal weather patterns that could affect water levels dramatically. The Philpott and Little River reservoirs do not exhibit signs of distress that have affected regions like Northern California, where flooding has caused more severe impacts as mentioned by POLITICO Pro. Unlike the snake-filled waters of Florida reported by WorldAtlas, these Virginia dams are not undergoing any unusual ecological or environmental stress. It is essential, however, for authorities and residents to continue monitoring these water sources, as reservoir levels can be critical indicators of regional water supply health and can affect a variety of factors including local ecosystems, water availability for consumption and irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. Regular cross-referencing with multiple data sources ensures continued veracity and preparedness for any potential changes in the future.

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.