Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Woolridge, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1977 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Petite Saline Creek, the dam not only provides a recreational area but also contributes to the drainage area of 25 square miles.

Although the dam is categorized as low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment, it serves as a vital structure for water resource management in Cooper County. With its primary purpose being recreation, Smith Lake Dam offers a surface area of 4 acres for leisure activities and wildlife habitat. Despite not being regulated or inspected by state agencies, the dam remains a significant feature in the area's landscape, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

As part of the Kansas City District, the dam is overseen by the US Army Corps of Engineers but has no federal agency involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, or operation. While lacking certain regulatory and emergency preparedness measures, Smith Lake Dam remains a valuable asset for the community, offering a peaceful retreat and contributing to the ecological balance of the region.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-PETITE SALINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

64

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.