Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Coweta, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1963 for recreational purposes along the Golden Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 21.6 feet, with a hydraulic height of 18.6 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 121.3 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 62 acre-feet. With a surface area of 9.2 acres and draining an area of 291 square miles, Smith Lake Dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various water activities.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition assessment, Smith Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in February 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, emphasizing its focus on recreational use rather than flood control. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Overall, Smith Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and recreational enjoyment in the heart of Georgia's picturesque landscape.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

21.6

River Or Stream

GOLDEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.2

Hydraulic Height

18.6

Drainage Area

291

Nid Storage

121.3

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.