Tom Smith South Lake Dam dam
Tom Smith South Lake Dam
Located in Jackson County, Missouri, the Tom Smith South Lake Dam stands as a testament to effective private ownership and state regulation in the realm of water resource management. Designed by David Brucker, this earth dam boasts a height of 57 feet and a hydraulic height of 55 feet, with a length of 770 feet. The dam's primary purpose, though unspecified, serves as a vital component in the management of the TRIB. BLUE RIVER, providing a storage capacity of 650.8 acre-feet and a surface area of 29.8 acres.
With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the Tom Smith South Lake Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2014, showcasing a commitment to preparedness and risk management. Situated within the Tulsa District and under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri, this dam plays a crucial role in the protection and regulation of water resources in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Tom Smith South Lake Dam to be a fascinating example of effective private ownership and state oversight in the maintenance of critical infrastructure. With its impressive dimensions and storage capacity, this earth dam serves as a vital component in the management of the TRIB. BLUE RIVER, highlighting the importance of efficient water resource management in Jackson County, Missouri.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Tom Smith South Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blue R At Kenneth Rd | 92 cfs | → |
| Blue River At Blue Ridge Blvd Ext In Kc | 137 cfs | → |
| Tomahawk C Nr Overland Park | 23 cfs | → |
| Indian C At State Line Rd | 105 cfs | → |
| Blue R Nr Stanley | 60 cfs | → |
| Blue River At Kansas City | 291 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Tom Smith South Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- East Loch Lloyd Parkway Loch Lloyd
- River Trail Kansas City
- Southeast Raytown Road Lee's Summit
- Cass County
- Lee's Summit
- South Lake Road Cass County
Track Tom Smith South Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Tom Smith South Lake Dam
Where does the data for Tom Smith South Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Tom Smith South Lake Dam.