Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mirage Flats Dam 2 Mirage Flats Dam 3
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Smith Lake Dam, located in Valentine, Nebraska, was completed in 1948 and serves as a vital water resource for the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, primarily owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, stands at 14 feet tall and spans 184 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2,100 acre-feet and a surface area of 425 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the community.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, Smith Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam, constructed primarily with earth and stone materials on a soil foundation, is designed to withstand maximum discharges of up to 350 cubic feet per second. The surrounding Pine Creek and drainage area of 21.33 square miles further highlight the dam's significance in maintaining water resources and climate stability in the region.
As a popular recreational site, Smith Lake Dam not only offers leisure activities like fishing and boating but also contributes to the overall environmental health of the area. With its state-regulated operations and ongoing maintenance, the dam continues to be a reliable water management infrastructure for Sheridan County, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
184 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
PINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
425 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
21.33 |
Nid Storage |
2100 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Nr Ne-Sd State Line
|
10cfs |
White R Near Oglala Sd
|
101cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Smith Lake Dam