Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 21 feet and a length of 676 feet, the dam serves as a critical structure on TR-Duck Creek, providing essential water resource management for the region. With a storage capacity of 281 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water supply for the area.

Despite being privately owned, Smith Lake Dam falls under state permitting and inspection regulations, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate for controlled water release. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as high, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. As an Earth dam supported by buttresses, Smith Lake Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management practices in the region.

With Louie Gohmert as the representing Congressional representative, Smith Lake Dam is a significant infrastructure project that highlights the collaboration between government agencies and private owners in ensuring water resource security and climate resilience. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the technical details and history of Smith Lake Dam serve as a fascinating case study in the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the face of changing climate dynamics.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

676

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-DUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

281

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.