Leo A Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leo A Smith Lake Dam, located in Henderson, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1965 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 1300 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 72 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Caddo Creek, the dam does not have a spillway and is not regulated by the state. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, with no emergency action plan in place.

This dam, part of the Fort Worth District, is associated with no other structures and has no federal agency involvement in its construction or operation. With a risk assessment rating of "High (2)", it is clear that there are potential safety concerns associated with Leo A Smith Lake Dam. Despite its lack of state regulation and enforcement, the dam does undergo regular state inspections and permitting. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Leo A Smith Lake Dam an interesting case study in private dam ownership and the potential risks associated with recreational water structures.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-CADDO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.