Smith Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cane Creek #9 Lost Creek
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Smith is a private earth dam located in Lauderdale, Tennessee, near the city of Ripley.
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Summary
Built in 1965, this structure on Cane Creek has a hydraulic height of 20.4 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a length of 220 feet. It serves the primary purpose of water storage, with a normal storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 69 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 7 acres and has a drainage area of 0.12 square miles.
Despite its age, Smith has a high hazard potential and is categorized as having a moderate risk level. The dam's condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," with the last inspection date recorded in June 2017 and an inspection frequency of every 5 years. It does not have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, and there is no information on whether it meets EAP guidelines or if inundation maps have been prepared. The dam does not have any associated structures or outlet gates, and it is not operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with significant hazard potential and moderate risk. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, understanding the condition and management of structures like Smith is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems. Further research and monitoring of Smith's condition and risk management measures could provide valuable insights into the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
220 |
River Or Stream |
CANE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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