Lewis Smith Lake is a 21,000-acre reservoir on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River in northwest Alabama, held back by Lewis Smith Dam. Alabama Power manages the water level for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation.
Full (summer) pool is 510 feet. The lake is typically kept near full pool through the warm recreation season, then drawn down several feet over winter for flood storage, and refilled in spring. That is why the "feet below full pool" number climbs in fall and winter and shrinks in spring.
Deep, clear-water areas (Ryan Creek, Rock Creek, the Sipsey arm, and the deep water near the dam) stay usable even during winter drawdown, while the shallow backs of some coves can go dry. See our best areas of Smith Lake guide, or ask Billy Bass anything about the lake.
As of the last hourly update, Smith Lake is at 505.03 feet, 4.97 feet below full pool. Full summer pool is 510 feet. This figure comes from Alabama Power, which operates Lewis Smith Dam.
Full (summer) pool on Smith Lake is 510 feet of elevation. Alabama Power holds the lake near full pool through the summer recreation season and draws it down over winter for flood storage and power generation.
Alabama Power manages the level for flood control, power generation, and recreation. The lake is typically near full pool (510 ft) in summer and drawn down several feet through winter, then refilled in spring. Rainfall and dam releases cause shorter-term changes.
The water level is published by Alabama Power, which operates Lewis Smith Dam, and the weather is from the National Weather Service. This page refreshes hourly.