Appalachian Power wants recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams to know that water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers could rise rapidly starting Tuesday, Jan. 14, and continue to fluctuate throughout the week and possibly into early next week.

The National Weather Service is forecasting cold temperatures, and PJM, the independent regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid in 13 states, has notified Appalachian Power that it may need to increase power generation at its hydroelectric plants to maintain the reliability of the regional electric grid if called upon to do so.

Water levels below Claytor Dam could increase up to two feet in a matter of minutes, and those below Leesville Dam could increase as much as eight feet over a seven-hour period. Those considering recreating on the rivers should monitor AEP’s website for additional information and follow us on the Smith Mountain or Claytor Facebook pages for updates.

Located on the New River in Pulaski County, the Claytor Dam is operated by Appalachian Power. The total installed electric generating capacity of the plant is 76 megawatts. Leesville Dam, with a generating capacity of 50 megawatts, is part of the Smith Mountain Project, a 636-megawatt pumped storage hydroelectric facility on the Roanoke River.