Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Smith Lake Dam in Rankin, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure regulating the flow of Twenty Mile Creek.


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Summary

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes. Standing at 14 feet high with a buttress earth core design, it has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and a low hazard potential. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width and other specifications are not provided in the data.

This dam, located within the Vicksburg District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, has not been rated for its condition assessment and lacks an emergency action plan. However, it poses a moderate risk level (3) according to the data available. With no associated structures or outlet gates, this dam is subject to state regulations and inspections. The dam's congressman is Michael Guest, who represents the area where the dam is situated.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith Lake Dam provides an intriguing case study in private dam management and regulatory oversight. Its location and design highlight the importance of balancing recreational benefits with safety considerations. The lack of certain details, such as the dam's length and volume, raise questions about its overall efficiency and effectiveness in managing water flow. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue, understanding the intricacies of dams like Smith Lake Dam is crucial for sustainable decision-making.

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

UNT OF TWENTY MILE CREEK

Nid Storage

105

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.