BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Water levels at Smith Mountain Lake are about five feet below normal, forcing lakefront businesses and boat operators to adjust as the drought continues.
The lower levels are creating challenges for people who live and work around the lake, including the Virginia Dare, a scenic cruise boat operated by Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina.
Captain Barry Bridges, who has been captaining the Virginia Dare for about six years, said it is the lowest he has ever seen the water. Bridges said the low water means each trip requires more planning as he watches for signs of shallow areas…