Fred Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fred Smith Lake Dam, located in Monroe, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 11 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

The dam, managed by the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, features an uncontrolled spillway and no associated locks. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam has not had any recent modifications and does not have an emergency action plan in place. The risk management measures, inundation maps, and contact information for emergencies are not updated, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of safety and emergency preparedness for this recreational water resource.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fred Smith Lake Dam provides an interesting case study in the management of privately owned dams for recreational purposes. With its moderate risk assessment and undetermined hazard potential, there is a need for enhanced safety measures and emergency planning to ensure the continued protection of the surrounding area and downstream communities in the event of a dam failure. This dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight and proactive risk management for all types of water infrastructure, even those primarily used for leisure activities.

Dam Height

11

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

11
       
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.