Robert Smith Dam dam
Robert Smith Dam
Robert Smith Dam, located in Spencer, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes. This earthen dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 325 feet, with a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. While the dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections, its hazard potential is considered low, and its condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3, and there are no emergency action plans in place as of the most recent data update in April 2021.
Although Robert Smith Dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of any federal agency, its construction and operation are overseen by the state of Kentucky. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is situated on a small drainage area of 0.02 square miles. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed risk management measures, it remains a significant recreational asset in the region. With its tranquil setting and moderate risk level, Robert Smith Dam presents an intriguing destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to explore the intersection of human-made structures and natural environments in Kentucky.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Robert Smith Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Brashears Creek At Taylorsville | 332 cfs | → |
| Floyds Fork At Fisherville | 1,620 cfs | → |
| Floyds Fork Near Mt Washington | 1,090 cfs | → |
| Chenoweth Run At Gelhaus Lane Near Fern Creek | 19 cfs | → |
| Chenoweth Run At Ruckriegal Parkway | 3 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek At Thixton Road Near Louisville | 40 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Robert Smith Dam.
Boat launches
- Corps Of Engineers Tailwater Road Spencer County
- Lasater Road Louisville
- Long Run Lake Boat Ramp
- Cooper Chapel Road Louisville
- Van Buren Road Anderson County
- Bullitt County Boat Ramp
Track Robert Smith Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Robert Smith Dam
Where does the data for Robert Smith Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Robert Smith Dam.