Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Smith Lake Dam, also known as Jessup Mill Pond Dam, is a private earth dam located in Elizabethtown, North Carolina.
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Summary
Built in 1947, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a maximum storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and a normal storage of 64 acre-feet. The dam has a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a structural height of 10 feet, spanning a length of 582 feet along the Harrison Creek-Os river.
Despite being privately owned, Smith Lake Dam is subject to state inspections to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The dam has a low hazard potential and was deemed to be in satisfactory condition during its last assessment in November 2017. While there are no associated structures or federal agency involvement with the dam, its location within the Wilmington District and its importance for recreation make it a significant feature in the Cumberland County area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Smith Lake Dam can appreciate its historical significance as a recreational site and its role in managing water resources in the region. With its modest storage capacity and low hazard potential, the dam represents a blend of human intervention in natural landscapes for the benefit of local communities. Its location along the Harrison Creek-Os river adds to its ecological importance and highlights the interconnectedness of water resources and infrastructure in shaping the local environment.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
582 |
River Or Stream |
Harrison Creek-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
1070cfs |
Big Swamp Nr Tarheel
|
55cfs |
Lumber River At Lumberton
|
510cfs |
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
281cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
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 Lake Dam