Lake Gaston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Gaston |
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Main lake view from the mouth of Hamlin Creek
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 Lake Gaston
Location in North Carolina
Lake Gaston
Location in Virginia
Lake Gaston
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Carolina–Virginia border, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°30′35″N 77°52′51″W / 36.509649°N 77.880819°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 34 mi (55 km) |
| Max. width | 1.3 mi (2.1 km) |
| Surface area | 20,000 acres (81 km2) |
| Average depth | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Max. depth | 95 feet (29 m) |
| Shore length1 | 350 mi (560 km) |
| Surface elevation | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Islands | Wobble Island, Stagger Island, Goat Island |
| Settlements | Littleton (NC), Henrico (NC), Macon (NC) Gasburg (VA), Bracey (VA) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Gaston is a large reservoir in the eastern United States. It was created to produce electricity. The lake stretches across the border of North Carolina and Virginia.
In North Carolina, parts of the lake are in Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties. In Virginia, it's in Brunswick and Mecklenburg counties. Lake Gaston is about 35 miles (56 km) long. It covers over 20,000 acres (81 km2) of water. The lake has a long shoreline of 350 miles (560 km).
Many people live near Lake Gaston, with over 150,000 residents in the area. Nearby towns include Littleton and Roanoke Rapids in North Carolina. In Virginia, you'll find Clarksville and South Hill.
The lake is not owned by the government. It was formed when the Virginia Electric Power Company (VEPCO) built the Gaston Dam. This dam is on the Roanoke River. It helps make electricity for Dominion Resources, which owns the lake. The dam is in North Carolina. It has four hydroelectric generators. These generators can produce a lot of power, about 224 megawatts.
Water flows into Lake Gaston from Kerr Lake, which is upstream. Lake Gaston then supplies water to Roanoke Rapids Lake, a smaller lake downstream. It is special because it is one of the few places with three hydroelectric dams close together.
Lake Gaston is well-known for fishing and other fun water activities. It's a popular vacation spot. This is because it's easy to reach from the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. It's also close to major highways like I-85 and I-95. The lake was built to help control floods and create power. It also offers many ways to have fun, like boating, swimming, and water skiing.
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Lake Levels and Water Management
Lake Gaston is different from many other lakes. Its water levels are carefully controlled. This is done through a special license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This license also means they work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This group manages Lake Kerr, which feeds water into Lake Gaston.
There are four main ways Lake Gaston's water level is managed:
- Normal: The water level is usually between 199–200 feet (60.7–61.0 m) high.
- Fish Spawning: For fish to lay their eggs, the level is kept between 199–201 feet (60.7–61.3 m).
- Flood Control: If there's a lot of rain, the lake can go up to 203 feet (61.9 m). In a very big flood, it might even reach 204 feet (62.2 m).
- Drought: During dry times, the water level will not go below 197 feet (60.0 m).
Because the lake levels are so steady, you will often see fixed docks and boathouses. These structures are built right into the lake.
Living by the Lake
Community Groups
The Lake Gaston Association (LGA) is a group for people who live or own property around the lake. It helps speak up for their interests. The group works with government officials and agencies. They want to make sure Lake Gaston is managed well. This group is made up of volunteers.
Waterfront Property
When you buy property near Lake Gaston, you usually don't own the actual waterfront. Dominion Power owns the lake and the land right up to the "High Water Mark." This is the highest point the water usually reaches. However, Dominion Power does let people build boathouses and other structures. You just need to get their approval first.
Fun Activities
Lake Gaston is a great place for many water sports and activities. You can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and more.
Marinas on the Lake
There are many marinas around the lake where you can dock your boat. Some popular ones include:
- Eaton Ferry Marina in Littleton, NC
- Stonehouse Timber Lodge in Littleton, NC
- Outdoor World in Littleton, NC
- Holly Grove Marina in Bracey, VA
- Americamps in Bracey, VA
- Poplar Point Marine in Bracey, VA
- Washburn's Marina in Henrico, NC
- Lake Gaston Resort in Gasburg, VA
Boat Shops
If you need boat repairs or want to buy a boat, there are several places nearby:
- Overby Marine in Littleton, NC
- Northampton Marine in Henrico, NC
- Poplar Point Marine in Bracey, VA
- Fred's Boats Sales and Service in Littleton, NC
Boating Rules
The rules for boating depend on which state you are in.
- In North Carolina, the Wildlife Resources Commission sets the rules.
- In Virginia, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is in charge.
Local News
There are local newspapers and websites that share news about Lake Gaston. "Lake the Magazine" is a monthly magazine about life on the lake. "The Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer" is a weekly newspaper. The "Lake Gaston Guide" is a website with news, weather, and event information for the area.
Water Pipeline
After many years of discussions, a 70-mile (110 km) pipeline was built. This pipeline carries water from Lake Gaston to Virginia Beach. It helps provide drinking water to that coastal city in Virginia.
