D H Smith Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Denmark Environs, Georgia, the D H Smith Pond Dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes with a height of 8 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this earth dam sits along the Woodcock Branch river and spans a length of 920 feet, providing a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level.

The dam, constructed with a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway, has not been inspected since November 2004, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no established Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, with no specific risk management measures identified, the dam remains a crucial water resource infrastructure in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the D H Smith Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in need of updated inspections and risk management strategies to ensure its longevity and safety.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

920

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

WOODCOCK BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

830

Nid Storage

192

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.