Smith Dam 1191 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dry Creek 8-A Dry Creek 8-B
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Smith Dam 1191, located in Red Willow, Nebraska, was completed in 1935 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the TR-Republican River.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 268 feet, providing a storage capacity of 163.7 acre-feet and a normal storage of 64.4 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 14.1 acres and has a drainage area of 3.8 square miles, contributing to the overall water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Smith Dam 1191 is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has been assessed to have a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2019. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding communities and agricultural lands. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and conservation efforts that go into maintaining such essential infrastructure for sustainable water management in the area.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
268 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
3.8 |
Nid Storage |
163.7 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 Dam 1191