Water levels at Gaston and Roanoke Rapids are managed to promote fish spawn from March 1st to June 15th. While lake levels are targeted to remain below 200' mean sea level (ft-msl) at Lake Gaston, maintaining downstream flow is a primary goal. Dominion states:

During the striped bass spawning season (March 1 – June 15), water may be stored in Lake Gaston between elevations 200.00 and 201.00 for weekend downstream flow augmentation.

This is considered "normal operations" during the fish spawn season. If rainfall increases significantly in the Roanoke River watershed, Dominion Power may enter "emergency operations". Lake levels may then exceed 201'. 

We will do our best to keep you informed if it appears lake levels may exceed 201'.