Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Cabarrus, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, this dam was completed in 1951 and has a storage capacity of 169 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 660 feet and is situated on Little Meadow Creek-Tr, with a drainage area of 192 square miles.

Despite not being state regulated, Smith Lake Dam is subject to inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam poses a significant hazard potential and its condition assessment is currently not rated. The last inspection was conducted in November 2018, with no emergency action plan (EAP) in place. While the dam does not have associated structures or locks, it serves as a recreational spot for the community and offers a surface area of 15 acres for various water activities.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in North Carolina. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1950s, the dam continues to provide a serene environment for water enthusiasts to enjoy. As discussions around dam safety and risk management persist, Smith Lake Dam stands as a noteworthy example of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of such structures in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

660

River Or Stream

Little Meadow Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

192

Nid Storage

169

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. 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

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, 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.