Water levels decrease at Wayne National Forest’s Lake Vesuvius after valve maintenance

NELSONVILLE, Ohio (Aug. 18, 2025) -- Water levels at Lake Vesuvius on the Wayne National Forest near Pedro, Ohio, have decreased after the Forest opened the gate valve to conduct routine maintenance for the long-term safety of Lake Vesuvius Dam.

As of Friday morning, the lake was approximately 42 inches below normal pool levels. There is no threat to public safety or property, and the Forest is closely monitoring Storms Creek downstream. Dam conditions remain stable and safe. 

The lake and recreation area remain open to the public, but visitors should account for low water areas when planning their trips, especially near the boat ramp and Big Bend Beach. Small boats such as canoes and kayaks can continue to launch from the shore area near the boat ramp.

The Forest opened the valve to release water on Aug. 13 and closed it as much as possible on Aug. 14. The valve remains partially open due to jammed debris. Lake levels will continue to drop slowly. 

While water levels are low, the Forest will assess conditions and develop an infrastructure maintenance plan to implement this fall and winter. The boat ramp will also be dredged to remove sediment build up during this time, and will be temporarily closed so the work can be completed safely.

The Forest anticipates that fall and winter precipitation will raise the lake to normal pool levels.

The Forest will provide additional updates on its website as they become available. 

Lake Vesuvius is a 143-acre lake with a recreation area (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne/recreation/lake-vesuvius-recreation-area).