Walter Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Walter Smith Lake Dam, also known as Smith Lake, is a private dam located in Larue, Kentucky, along the Rolling Fork River.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 6 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 842 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet.
Despite its recreational appeal, Walter Smith Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with inspections conducted every three years. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 5 feet, and the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is unclear, raising concerns about its readiness to handle potential risks. With a risk management plan yet to be fully outlined, stakeholders and enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area should monitor the dam's condition closely to ensure the safety and preservation of this recreational asset.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
842 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
ROLLING FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.38 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Walter Smith Lake Dam