What happens when Memorial Day weekend crowds encounter a treacherously low Smith Mountain Lake?
Tyler Routon, senior officer with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, explains below how people heading out on the lake this weekend should be extra cautious as a monthslong drought continues.
HIGH AND DRY
Water levels at Smith Mountain Lake are seen uncharacteristically and dangerously low going into the three-day Memorial Day weekend, creating possible hazards for boaters who are not paying attention — even those familiar with the lake.Â
HEATHER ROUSSEAU, The Roanoke Times
Tyler Routon, senior officer with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, shows some unsarcastically dangerously low water levels at Smith Mountain Lake ahead of Memorial Day weekend.Â
HEATHER ROUSSEAU, The Roanoke Times
Water levels at Smith Mountain Lake are seen uncharacteristically and dangerously low this year, creating hazards for boaters — even those familiar with the lake. Conservation officers are urging anyone heading out on the water this weekend to use extra caution.
HEATHER ROUSSEAU, The Roanoke Times
A jet skier enjoys Smith Mountain Lake on Tuesday, before Memorial Weekend.Â
HEATHER ROUSSEAU, The Roanoke Times
The low water levels at Smith Mountain Lake have left some docks without enough water to get their boats out.
HEATHER ROUSSEAU, The Roanoke Times
The low water levels at Smith Mountain Lake have left some docks without enough water to get their boats out.
