MITCHELL - In Mitchell, city officials and some lake residents are thinking about reducing the level of Lake Mitchell this fall to protect against wintertime shoreline damage.

City Public Works Director Tim McGannon says it could prevent ice from damaging the shoreline. He says shifting ice can hurt riprap and other shoreline stabilization efforts.

Some lake residents think reducing the level could keep ice out away from some items on the shore.

Manmade Lake Mitchell was created by impounding Firesteel Creek. Officials say water could be siphoned into the creek on the other side of a dam, where it would flow toward the James River.