Smithville Dam, also known as Smithville Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Clay, Missouri, along the Little Platte River. Completed in 1979 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and water supply. With a structural height of 105 feet and a hydraulic height of 75 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 246,500 acre-feet.

The dam, with a length of 4,000 feet and a surface area of 7,190 acres, plays a critical role in managing water levels, especially during severe weather events. While the dam's hazard potential is rated as high, the US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages flood risks by monitoring the dam's condition, prioritizing maintenance activities, and engaging with local emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and preparedness for potential dam-related emergencies. The dam's emergency action plan is regularly updated, and risk assessment and management measures are constantly reviewed and improved to ensure the dam's structural integrity and public safety.

Overall, Smithville Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management strategies to safeguard water resources and communities in the face of changing climate patterns and potential natural hazards.