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