Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, was completed in 1976 and serves primarily as a recreational area.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 400 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 167 acre-feet of water. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, situated on an unnamed tributary of Beanblossom Creek, is owned privately and regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, the dam poses a high risk (rated 2) due to its condition and potential impact in the event of failure. Despite lacking a spillway and outlet gates, the dam continues to be monitored and inspected in compliance with state regulations.

Given its location and purpose, Smith Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the local community. However, its aging infrastructure and significant hazard potential highlight the need for continued maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and water resources.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BEANBLOSSOM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

167

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.