Smith Reservoir Report

Nearby: East Carmody

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith is a privately owned dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, near the city of Lakewood.


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Summary

Built in 1908, this earthen dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 2500 feet. Its primary purpose is for irrigation, with additional recreational benefits. The dam has a storage capacity of 822 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 638 acre-feet.

Despite its age, Smith has been deemed to have a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 410 feet, and it has a maximum discharge of 3500 cubic feet per second. The last inspection was conducted in May 2020, and the dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. With its location on Bear Creek-OS, Smith remains a crucial structure for water resource management in the region, but ongoing maintenance and risk management measures are essential to ensure its safety and functionality for the future.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

822

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.