Smith Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Dam, also known as Smith Lake Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, near the city of Juno.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a hydraulic height of 19.5 feet and a structural height of 24.5 feet, was primarily built for recreational purposes along the Dix Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 15 acre-feet, Smith Dam covers a surface area of 1.5 acres and has a length of 217 feet.

Despite not being state-regulated, Smith Dam poses a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in April 2015. The dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, and there are no available risk assessment or management measures documented. Given its location and hazard potential, Smith Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring for the safety of water resources and surrounding communities.

Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience may find Smith Dam an intriguing case study for the potential risks associated with privately-owned dams and the need for comprehensive safety measures and regulations to mitigate these hazards effectively. Despite its recreational purpose, Smith Dam's lack of state oversight and emergency preparedness highlight the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and resilience of critical water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing demands on water resources.

Dam Length

217

River Or Stream

Dix Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

19.5

Nid Storage

15

Structural Height

24.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.