Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Boone, Missouri, the Smith Lake Dam is a privately owned structure completed in 1959 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple functions including fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreation. Situated on the TR-North Fork Grindstone Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition.

The Smith Lake Dam, classified as an earth dam with a buttress core, is managed by private owners and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been inspected or regulated by state agencies. The dam's location in Columbia and its proximity to the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers make it a crucial structure for water resource management in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the Smith Lake Dam for its role in providing irrigation water and recreational opportunities in Boone County. As an important component of the local watershed, the dam's history, design, and hydrological characteristics make it a fascinating subject for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH FORK GRINDSTONE CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

160

Nid Storage

144

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.