Page 56 - Discover Summer 2022

Built for Speed CONTINUED

section, and other on-line sources like tricky little navigation lights hanging

smithmountainlakelevel.com. Reported down mid-span. Then know and check

level in one location of Smith Mountain your own vessel clearance height. Use
Lake may not reflect the exact level at caution, especially during and after high-
other points along the channel. This water events, and remember: we are

level delta is largest when high flow rates looking only at center span transits.

up river or at the dam are experienced
Yes, there are reports of those that didn't
due to natural run-off and mechanical
"fit" as well as "tall tales" of those too
dam water level control. Published level
embarrassed to report what happen to
reporting can be as much as an hour
their VHF antenna, $300 trolling pole
old. Look at the trends to see if the lake
or roof off their center console. Most are
is falling or rising. Without an actual
from transits other than center span, or
water level gauge at the bridge, that
trying to get by under the first and fifth
critical lake level value is still going to be
spans closest to land.
approximate.
So here's the reality check neighbors:
A vessel's height varies with draft (how
those variables in actual bridge height,
low it sits in the water), list (any side-to-
flow rates, measuring locations, time
side angle) and trim (is the vessel level
late in reporting, and vessel draft are all
or up/down in the bow or stern). Fixed
inputs into your own "fit" answer. We
ballast load (a motor), movable cargo
didn't even get into the gravitational
(people) and consumable loads (fuel and
effects of the moon. If you are counting
live wells) all have impact on your draft
on every inch of clearance you could
and thus your height above the waterline.
very well be setting yourself up to hit the
"Enough already, will I fit?" bridge! Discretion is encouraged, as well

as having someone else check your math
Take center span clearance (best shot is
before trying to "bridge limbo" with your
to take 14 feet and cross under the second
boat.
span out from the Franklin side) and add
the distance the lake is below full pond Boating Season is Underway! Boat

(795 feet MSL)/subtract the distance the Smart, Watch Your Wake and Please
lake is above full pond. We recommend Share the Lake with Kindness and

you subtract at least a six inch safety Concern for Others. SMLWSC
factor from that expected clearance, due
Thank you all! - SMLWSC
to all the variables pointed out, and those

54 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2022