Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sun Lake Dam Holmes Co Noname
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Smith Lake Dam, located in Vernon, Florida, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1967 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 8 feet and a length of 550 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and a surface area of 81 acres. It is situated on the TR-OPEN CREEK, under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agencies for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
The dam poses a significant hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, the dam meets state guidelines for operation and maintenance. The dam has not been modified in recent years and has no associated structures or outlet gates. The Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers does not have any involvement with the dam's ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, or operation.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Smith Lake Dam intriguing for its multi-purpose use, its role in providing fire protection and supporting local wildlife, and the potential risks associated with its condition and hazard potential. The dam's location in a rural area of Florida adds to its charm, making it a point of interest for those interested in exploring water infrastructure and its impact on the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OPEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
81 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Holmes Creek At Vernon
|
375cfs |
Wrights Creek At Sh 177-A Nr Bonifay
|
96cfs |
Choctawhatchee River At Caryville
|
2830cfs |
Choctawhatchee River Nr Pittman
|
2800cfs |
Bruce Creek At Sh 81 Nr Redbay
|
23cfs |
Choctawhatchee River Nr Bruce
|
2680cfs |
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.
Smith Lake Dam