Smith Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Smith Dam, located in Davis City, Iowa, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 496 feet, with a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.
Situated on the TR-Thompson River, Smith Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam has a moderate risk assessment level and is not controlled by a spillway, making it an uncontrolled spillway type. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are currently not specified, highlighting the need for further assessment and planning to mitigate potential risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith Dam offers an interesting case study in dam engineering and management. With its location in Decatur County, Iowa, the dam provides crucial water storage for fire protection and agricultural purposes. However, its lack of specific risk management measures and emergency action plans underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of the dam in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
496 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THOMPSON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 Dam