Smith Lake Dam dam
Smith Lake Dam
Smith Lake Dam in Forsyth, Georgia, stands as a testament to the importance of water resources and climate management in the region. The dam, primarily used for recreation, is a private-owned structure on Yellow Creek, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. Standing at a height of 32 feet and a length of 702 feet, the dam's earth core with stone foundation provides a stable structure for its purpose.
Located in Monroe County, Smith Lake Dam is a vital component of the water management system in the area, providing storage capacity of 246 acre-feet for recreational activities. While currently not rated for its condition, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection in 2018. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam's risk management measures and assigned risk assessment highlight the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term sustainability for both water resources and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Overall, Smith Lake Dam serves as a focal point for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience in Georgia. With its strategic location on Yellow Creek and its role in providing recreational opportunities, the dam underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure its safety and continued functionality in the face of changing environmental conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to advocate for sustainable practices, Smith Lake Dam stands as a reminder of the intricate balance between human intervention and natural ecosystems.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Smith Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tobesofkee Creek Near Macon | 7 cfs | → |
| Falling Creek Near Juliette | 7 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Culloden | 733 cfs | → |
| Ocmulgee River At Macon | 676 cfs | → |
| Ocmulgee River Near Jackson | 425 cfs | → |
| Shoal Creek At Shoal Creek Rd | 10 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Smith Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Lake Juliette Day Use Area And Boat Ramp
- Macon
- Round Oak-Juliette Road Monroe County
- Popes Ferry Landing
Campgrounds
- High Falls State Park
- Arrowhead County Park
- Claystone County Park
- Dames Ferry County Park
- Indian Springs State Park
- Gladesville Campground
Fishing spots
- Lake Tobesofkee
- High Falls Lake
- Indian Springs State Park Lake
- Mccant's Mill Pond
- Jackson Lake
- Griffin City Reservoir
Track Smith Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Smith Lake Dam
Where does the data for Smith Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Smith Lake Dam.