Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barnes Lake Dam Clark Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Smith Lake Dam, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a privately owned Earth dam on the Cape Fear River.
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Summary
With a structural height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 6 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood control and water storage. Completed with a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 20 acres and has a drainage area of 826 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and the absence of state regulation, the dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
The dam, managed by private owners, has not been rated for its condition assessment, with the last inspection taking place in 2008. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications or improvements in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not clearly documented. With a maximum discharge capacity of 330 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the region. The dam's location on the Cape Fear River-Tr provides essential water resources for the surrounding area and supports various ecological and recreational activities.
Smith Lake Dam, nestled in Cumberland County, North Carolina, is a vital structure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and advocate for sustainable practices, the importance of maintaining and regulating dams like Smith Lake Dam cannot be overstated. With its strategic location and functional design, the dam serves as a key asset in protecting communities, ecosystems, and waterways from the impacts of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related risks.
Dam Length |
520 |
River Or Stream |
Cape Fear River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
826 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
1070cfs |
Middle Creek Near Clayton
|
32cfs |
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