Condition assessments continue at Wayne National Forest’s Lake Vesuvius
Additional infrastructure inspections planned
Contact Information: Anna Owens anna.owens@usda.gov
NELSONVILLE, Ohio (Aug. 25, 2025) – The Wayne National Forest continues to conduct assessments at Lake Vesuvius during a low water event that occurred after dam gate valve maintenance.
As of last Friday morning (August 22, 2025), the lake was approximately 50 inches below normal pool levels. Dam conditions remain stable and safe, and there is no threat to public safety or property. The Forest continues to monitor conditions downstream at Storms Creek.
The lake and recreation area remain open to the public, but water levels are low at the boat ramp and Big Bend Beach. Visitors are advised not to walk on newly exposed parts of the lakebed to avoid becoming stuck in thick mud.
The Forest opened the valve to release water and flush debris on Aug. 13. The valve remains partially open and will be closed once jammed debris can be safely removed. The Forest is currently assessing the type and volume of the blockage.
Lake levels will continue to drop gradually by 1.5 inches per day. The Forest anticipates that levels will increase to normal elevation during the fall and winter once the valve is closed.
While lake levels are low, the Forest will conduct a full infrastructure assessment at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan. The plan is anticipated to be complete for the 2026 recreation season, but the timeline will depend on when inspections are finalized. Potential work includes evaluating conditions at the boardwalk, removing sediment deposits at the boat ramp, removing hazard trees and assessing all developed recreation facilities.
The Forest will also use $2.8 million in Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads Program (ERFO) funds to repair portions of the road at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, which was damaged after ice storms impacted the region in 2021.
The last notable low water event at Lake Vesuvius occurred in 2001 after the lake was drained for improvements to the dam and boat ramp area.
The Forest will provide additional updates on its website as they become available.
Lake Vesuvius is a 143-acre lake with a recreation area.