Smith Family Ranch West Dam, located in Holt, Nebraska, along the Niobrara River, was completed in 1980 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 21.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 108.7 acre-feet, serving as a crucial structure in mitigating potential flooding events in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment has been deemed poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Smith Family Ranch West Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. Although it has not undergone recent modifications, its last inspection in April 2020 revealed a concerning condition assessment. With a drainage area of 2.02 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 73.1 acre-feet, this dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood damage, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness.

As an essential component of flood risk reduction in the region, the Smith Family Ranch West Dam serves as a critical structure along the Niobrara River. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam requires attention to address its poor condition assessment and ensure its continued functionality in safeguarding the community from potential flood events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to advocate for the necessary maintenance and improvements to enhance the resilience of this vital infrastructure and protect the local ecosystem from the impacts of flooding.