Smith dam
Smith
Smith is a hydroelectric dam located on the picturesque Smith River in Oregon, with a primary purpose of generating power and providing recreational opportunities. Built in 1963 by the Bechtel Corporation, this earth dam stands at an impressive height of 215 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 17,530 acre-feet. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a Tainter (radial) outlet gate, ensuring efficient water management.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment of very high, Smith Dam is closely monitored by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is listed as not available, highlighting the need for continued inspection and risk management measures. The surrounding area offers a surface area of 170 acres for recreational activities, attracting both water resource and climate enthusiasts to its scenic location in Linn County.
As one of the key structures in the region, Smith Dam presents both opportunities and challenges for water resource management. Its strategic location in the Portland District and close oversight by federal agencies make it a fascinating site for those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate, and infrastructure development. The dam's role in providing clean energy and recreational benefits underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Smith -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Smith River Abv Trail Brdg Resv Nr Belknap Springs | 7 cfs | → |
| Mckenzie River Bl Payne Cr | 220 cfs | → |
| Smith R Ab Smith R Res Nr Belknap Sprgs | 24 cfs | → |
| Mckenzie R Blw Trail Br Dam Nr Belknap Springs | 831 cfs | → |
| Mckenzie River At Outlet Of Clear Lake | 293 cfs | → |
| Lookout Creek Near Blue River | 42 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Smith.
Boat launches
- Smith Reservoir
- Lake's End Campground
- Trail Bridge Campground
- Carmen Diversion Launch Ramp
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Paradise Campground
Campgrounds
- Lakes End Campground
- Ice Cap Campground
- Olallie Campground
- Cold Water Cove Campground
- Lost Prairie Group Campground
- Fish Lake Remount Depot - Hall House Cabin
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Blue River Reservoir
- Headwaters Of Sevenmile Creek To Confluence With Latiwi Creek
- Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Boundary To Highway 22
- Headwaters To Mt Jefferson Wilderness Boundary
- West Section Line Of Sec 31, T12s, R6e To Middle Santiam Wilderness Boundary
- Below Cougar Dam To Confluence With Mckenzie River
Track Smith in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Smith
Where does the data for Smith come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Smith.