Smithport Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smithport Lake Dam, located in De Soto, Louisiana, serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

Built in 1953 by the Louisiana Department of Public Works, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches 2500 feet in length, creating a surface area of 3028 acres and a normal storage capacity of 11,500 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Samson Channel, with a maximum discharge capability of 40,500 cubic feet per second.

Despite its crucial role in water management and recreation, Smithport Lake Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, with a poor rating as of May 2017. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, but its risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development oversees the regulatory aspects of the dam, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement, to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

As a hub for outdoor activities and water sports, Smithport Lake Dam remains a popular destination for visitors seeking leisure and relaxation. With its scenic surroundings and ample storage capacity, the dam continues to be a valuable asset for the local community. Efforts to address its maintenance needs and mitigate potential risks will be crucial in sustaining the dam's role in water resource management and climate resilience for years to come.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SAMSON CHANNEL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3028

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

205

Nid Storage

42000

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.