Ic Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ic Smith Lake Dam, also known as Smith Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in Sulphur, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation along the White Sulpher Fork river. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 460 feet, it has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Kentucky Division of Water to ensure its safety and functionality.
Situated in Henry County, Kentucky, Ic Smith Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has not been modified since its construction. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to assess its structural integrity and maintenance needs. Despite its private ownership, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities in the surrounding area.
With Congressman Thomas Massie representing the district, Ic Smith Lake Dam stands as a notable structure in the region, contributing to the local water resource management and climate adaptation efforts. As an essential component in the agricultural landscape, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water use and the significance of maintaining infrastructure to support long-term water security in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
WHITE SULPHER FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kentucky River At Lock 2 At Lockport
|
4990cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 3 At Gest
|
4930cfs |
Floyds Fork Near Pewee Valley
|
25cfs |
Harrods Creek At Highway 329 Nr Goshen
|
136cfs |
Ohio River At Markland Dam Near Warsaw
|
44700cfs |
Eagle Creek At Glencoe
|
107cfs |
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.
Ic Smith Lake Dam