Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Smithville Dam, also known as Smithville Community Lake, is a state-owned recreational earth dam located in Federalsburg, Maryland.
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Summary
Built in 1980 by the Maryland State Highway Administration, this dam spans a length of 597 feet and reaches a height of 14 feet, providing a storage capacity of 336 acre-feet. The dam sits on the Marshyhope-TR-Smithville Ditch and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene 40-acre surface area for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Smithville Dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place for its safety and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge of 2282 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, Smithville Dam remains a popular destination for outdoor activities and water recreation in Caroline County, Maryland.
Located in a picturesque setting and offering a tranquil escape for visitors, Smithville Dam serves as a testament to Maryland's commitment to water resource management and climate resilience. With its state-regulated operations and scenic surroundings, this dam stands as a vital asset for the local community while also highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring dam infrastructure for sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
597 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Marshyhope-TR-Smithville Ditch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
40 |
Drainage Area |
9.9 |
Nid Storage |
336 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road)