Smith Reservoir Report
Nearby: Breckenridge Breckenridge #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Smith is a privately-owned dam located in Cumberland, Tennessee, along the Burnt Cabin Branch river.
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Summary
Built in 1972, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. With a hydraulic height of 18.9 feet and a structural height of 21.5 feet, Smith has a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 76 acre-feet over a surface area of 7.4 acres.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Smith has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam does not have any outlet gates and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 0 feet. The last inspection date took place in August 2017, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the dam is not under state regulation, it is not permitted, inspected, or enforced by state agencies.
Smith's location within the Nashville District and its association with the primary purpose of fire protection make it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's moderate risk assessment and lack of state regulation highlight the importance of monitoring and maintaining such infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
490 |
River Or Stream |
BURNT CABIN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.9 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
76 |
Structural Height |
21.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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
Mill Site To Center Bridge