J. W. Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

W. Smith Lake Dam, located in Tyrone, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 primarily for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 17.5 feet with a structural height of 13.2 feet, the dam boasts a length of 380 feet and a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam is currently not rated for its condition and lacks recent inspection data.

Situated in Fayette County, Georgia, the J. W. Smith Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource in the region, with a drainage area of 255 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, while its condition assessment remains pending. Despite its age, the dam continues to offer a recreational haven for local residents and visitors alike, showcasing the importance of water resources in the face of climate change.

Managed by a private entity, the J. W. Smith Lake Dam is a key feature in the landscape of Georgia, offering a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and water resource aficionados. Though its risk assessment is moderate, the dam stands as a testament to the balance between human recreation and environmental stewardship, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

17.5

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

13.2

Drainage Area

255

Nid Storage

73

Structural Height

13.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.