Alerts at John H. Kerr Reservoir

BOYDTON, V.A. - 15 JANUARY 2026 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District is closely monitoring low water conditions at John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir due to ongoing dry conditions across the Roanoke River Basin. Although there may have been periods of rainfall near Kerr Reservoir, lake elevation depends on rainfall and inflows across the entire Roanoke River Basin. Much of the basin has experienced below-normal precipitation, resulting in reduced inflows into the reservoir.

From September through December of 2025, inflows into Kerr Reservoir have steadily declined from approximately 36 percent (September) to 21 percent (December) of normal. As a result, the lake elevation has continued to decline. Kerr Reservoir is normally maintained near 295.5 feet above mean sea level during the months of January and February.

Winter is typically the primary recharge period for reservoirs and groundwater systems. If basin-wide rainfall improves in the coming months, lake levels could begin to recover. However, continued dry conditions would likely result in further declines.

Whenever Kerr Reservoir is at or below its seasonally varying target elevation (guide curve), the power plant is operated to produce only the minimum energy required to guarantee dependable capacity, protect water quality standards downstream of the dam, and address both upstream and downstream water resource needs and impacts. If lake level conditions continue to decline, a reduction in generation below those minimum levels is also a possibility. The Corps is coordinating closely with water management partners across North Carolina and Virginia and monitoring inflow, rainfall, and the lake elevation daily to guide operational decisions and keep everyone informed.

Public safety is the Corps’ highest priority, and visitors are advised that continued dry conditions could lead to service degradation or temporary closures at certain recreational facilities. Low water conditions increase the risk of navigation hazards, including submerged debris, stumps, and rocks. Visitors are urged to use caution, operate at reduced speeds, remain alert, and always wear life jackets while on the water.

For the latest information regarding the open or closed status of Corps-managed boat ramps and recreational facilities, please visit:

Facebook: @JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake
Visitor Assistance Center: 434-738-6143 (Press 5)

Point of Contact:
Chief Ranger Thomas Coleman - (434) 738-6143 x 6152 | thomas.c.coleman@usace.army.mil

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District, continues to evaluate temporary closures and reduced services at John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir due to significant staffing shortages and ongoing construction projects. The safety of visitors and staff is the top priority for these temporary changes. The following closures have been implemented:

• Palmer Point Day Use Area: This area will be closed to all visitors due to an erosion control construction project.
• Liberty Hill Day Use Area: This area will be closed to all visitors as construction crews work on the Right-Wing Dike Toe Drain repairs.
• North Bend Winter Camping: The 2025-26, November to March, winter camping season is canceled.
• Recreation.gov: The 2026 reservation window for all campsites and picnic shelters is temporarily closed.

Delaying reservations will allow the USACE time to evaluate staffing levels subject to the Department of Defense hiring freeze prior to the 2026 recreation season. The reservation system will remain closed until 4 March 2026 at which time an update will be provided. "Our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at our parks," said Eric Schreckengost, Chief of Lakes Branch. "The temporary closures of Palmer Point, Liberty Hill, and the Recreation.gov reservation system, along with the cancellation of winter camping at North Bend Park are necessary to address both construction and critical staffing shortages. We appreciate the public's understanding and patience as we work to resolve these challenges."

The Wilmington District and project staff will continue to monitor the situation and assess future operations. Updates on reopening will be announced as available. Please check our website or follow us on Facebook for updates.

• John H. Kerr website: https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/John-H-Kerr/
• John H. Kerr Facebook: @JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake

BOYDTON, V.A. - 15 JANUARY 2026 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District is closely monitoring low water conditions at John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir due to ongoing dry conditions across the Roanoke River Basin. Although there may have been periods of rainfall near Kerr Reservoir, lake elevation depends on rainfall and inflows across the entire Roanoke River Basin. Much of the basin has experienced below-normal precipitation, resulting in reduced inflows into the reservoir.

From September through December of 2025, inflows into Kerr Reservoir have steadily declined from approximately 36 percent (September) to 21 percent (December) of normal. As a result, the lake elevation has continued to decline. Kerr Reservoir is normally maintained near 295.5 feet above mean sea level during the months of January and February.

Winter is typically the primary recharge period for reservoirs and groundwater systems. If basin-wide rainfall improves in the coming months, lake levels could begin to recover. However, continued dry conditions would likely result in further declines.

Whenever Kerr Reservoir is at or below its seasonally varying target elevation (guide curve), the power plant is operated to produce only the minimum energy required to guarantee dependable capacity, protect water quality standards downstream of the dam, and address both upstream and downstream water resource needs and impacts. If lake level conditions continue to decline, a reduction in generation below those minimum levels is also a possibility. The Corps is coordinating closely with water management partners across North Carolina and Virginia and monitoring inflow, rainfall, and the lake elevation daily to guide operational decisions and keep everyone informed.

Public safety is the Corps’ highest priority, and visitors are advised that continued dry conditions could lead to service degradation or temporary closures at certain recreational facilities. Low water conditions increase the risk of navigation hazards, including submerged debris, stumps, and rocks. Visitors are urged to use caution, operate at reduced speeds, remain alert, and always wear life jackets while on the water.

For the latest information regarding the open or closed status of Corps-managed boat ramps and recreational facilities, please visit:

Facebook: @JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake
Website: https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/John-H-Kerr/
Visitor Assistance Center: 434-738-6143 (Press 5)

BOYDTON, V.A. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District, which oversees operations of numerous recreation sites throughout North Carolina and Virginia, will temporarily close two day-use parks at John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir (Buggs Island). Liberty Hill Access and Trail, 4410 Buggs Island Road, and Palmer Point Park, 899 Palmer Point Road, will be temporarily closed starting August 14, 2025, for ongoing and upcoming maintenance projects. The closures will remain in effect until further notice in order for construction work to be completed.

Visitors are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for updates regarding the temporary closure of the parks. Facebook: @JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake

Liberty Hill Access and Trail: The ongoing work to replace the toe drainage system along the earthen Right-Wing Dike which abuts John H. Kerr Dam requires the use of Liberty Hill Access and Trail parking lots for construction access and staging.

Palmer Point Park: Shoreline stabilization work will be carried out to address erosion around the designated swimming area and picnic sites.
During this period of closure, the entirety of the two parks will be closed and unavailable for use.

North Bend Park, 64 North Bend Drive, will be open and can provide similar recreation opportunities. If you have any questions about the closure or alternative recreation areas, please contact the Visitor Assistance Center, at 434-738-6143.

For additional information please contact the Visitor Assistance Center at 434-738-6143 x6159. What is a prescribed burn? A prescribed burn is a planned fire, conducted by trained professionals, used to achieve specific natural resource objectives. Many types of plants and wildlife need fire to survive. Periodic fire stimulates growth, helps reproduction of plants, provides wildlife habitat, and ensures healthier natural areas around the lake. The US Army Corps of Engineers conducts prescribed burns each year between the months of December and April. The burns are carried out on large portions of natural areas around the lake including: Wildlife Management Areas, timber tracts, and recreational sites. Safety is the number one concern during all prescribed burns. Well before a match is struck, the burn team considers the safety of people, property, and the natural areas they are managing. Safety considerations and preparations include:

•Burn Plan: a detailed plan is created for each specific burn that includes the burn objectives, plans for fire and smoke control, acceptable weather conditions, equipment and personnel needs, and contingencies for changing conditions.
•Firebreak Construction: wide corridors of cleared land that are free of burnable material are created around each burn area, ensuring that the fire does not leave the designated burn site.
•Smoke Management: prescribed burns are conducted only when conditions will minimize the amount of smoke produced and its effect on people.
•Certified Fire Team: all of the prescribed burns by the US Army Corps of Engineers at the John H Kerr Reservoir are conducted by trained professionals, certified by both North Carolina and Virginia Forest Service agencies.

The natural resource managers with the US Army Corps of Engineers conduct prescribed burns for a number of reasons. Prescribed burns help to reduce the hazardous buildup of vegetation, known as fuel, which if left unchecked could lead to a devastating wildfire that would threaten the local communities. Furthermore, many plant and animal species need fire to thrive. Prescribed burns help reduce competition, release seeds, add precious nutrients into the soil, and promotes beneficial plant species that attract wildlife. Prescribed burns also play a large role in forest management where they are used for understory control, disease containment, and site preparation. The following sites are scheduled to be burned during the 2025 - 2026 prescribed burn season. This list is subject to change based on weather and site conditions:

•Beaver Pond WMA
•North Bend Park
•Bluestone WMA
•North Bend Park Forestry Area
•Cedar Grove WMA
•Rudds Creek WMA
•Eagle Point WMA
•Occoneechee WMA
•Merifield WMA
•Tates Branch FMA
•Wall Branch WMA

As members of the public who enjoy the John H Kerr Reservoir, the US Army Corps of Engineers hope you recognize the importance of prescribed burning as a necessary tool used to protect you and your community and improve ecosystem health in the natural areas around the lake. Thank you for your understanding during the prescribed burn season. For additional information please contact the Visitor Assistance Center at 434-738-6143 x6159.