VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

In Virginia, the health of local dams and reservoirs is crucial for water management, energy production, and flood prevention. Based on the latest observations, two key water bodies are currently under scrutiny: the Philpott Reservoir at Philpott Dam near Philpott and the Little River Reservoir near Radford. As of December 25, 2025, the Philpott Reservoir's water surface level stands at 967 feet, which is below the average of 972.33 feet. Similarly, the Little River Reservoir's level is at 1771 feet, slightly lower than its average of 1771.91 feet. These measurements denote the water surface elevation with respect to historical geodetic datums, NGVD 1929 and NAVD 1988 respectively.

The deviations from average levels observed in both reservoirs may indicate abnormal conditions. Such discrepancies can often be linked to factors such as atypical snowpack melting rates or irregular river flows. However, considering the slight differences from the mean, these conditions may not yet signify critical concerns but do warrant attention to ensure long-term stability and resource management. It's essential to cross-reference these findings with multiple data sources to rule out data errors and confirm whether these trends are part of a larger pattern of change in Virginia's water systems. The management of these reservoirs, especially during unusual conditions, is vital for the ecological health and safety of the communities that rely on them.

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.