Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Situated on Crabtree Creek-Tr, the dam has a drainage area of 326 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 363 cubic feet per second.

With a fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, Smith Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, serving as a crucial recreational resource for the local community. Despite its moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, maintaining its structural integrity and safety standards.

Overall, Smith Lake Dam serves as a vital structure in Orange County, providing both recreational opportunities and water resource management capabilities. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam plays a key role in maintaining the environmental health and safety of the surrounding area. As a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates, Smith Lake Dam continues to be a notable landmark in the region, showcasing the importance of responsible dam management and stewardship.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

603

River Or Stream

Crabtree Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

326

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.