BOYDTON, V.A. -- 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)
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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS –WILMINGTON DISTRICT
69 DARLINGTON AVE, WILMINGTON, N.C. 28403
WWW.SAW.USACE.ARMY.MIL