George Smelley Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
George Smelley is a privately owned earth dam located in Demopolis, Alabama, along the TR-Big Prairie waterway.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1987 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a storage capacity of 242.7 acre-feet. With a length of 1200 feet and a height of 18 feet, George Smelley covers a surface area of 27 acres and has a drainage area of 0.22 square miles.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, George Smelley is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment score of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 335 cubic feet per second. While it has not been inspected since its completion in 1987, George Smelley remains a vital component for the conservation of fish and wildlife in the region.
Located within the Congressional District 07 of Alabama, George Smelley is under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the ecological significance of this structure, which highlights the importance of sustainable water management and habitat preservation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG PRAIRIE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
242.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
George Smelley