Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Smith Lake Dam, located in Wiergate, Texas, stands as a prominent Earth dam completed in 1950 with a height of 16 feet and a length of 1290 feet.
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Summary
This private-owned structure on TR-Little Cow Creek serves various purposes and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Despite having a high hazard potential, its condition remains unrated, and no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place.
The dam, with a primary purpose classified as "Other," plays a crucial role in regulating water resources in the region. Its design features a buttress core type and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, contributing to its stability and functionality. Although the dam lacks a spillway, it is equipped with a single outlet gate. The risk assessment for Smith Lake Dam indicates a high level of risk, emphasizing the need for adequate monitoring and maintenance protocols to ensure public safety and environmental conservation.
Situated within Newton County, Texas, Smith Lake Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Galveston District and falls under the oversight of the Texas state permitting and inspection agencies. With no federal regulation or enforcement in place, the dam's operations and maintenance are solely managed by its private owners. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition, it remains essential to prioritize risk management measures and emergency preparedness to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1290 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
55 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Burkeville
|
302cfs |
Big Cow Ck Nr Newton
|
58cfs |
Sabine Rv At Toledo Bd Res Nr Burkeville
|
164cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Bon Wier
|
762cfs |
Bayou Anacoco Near Rosepine
|
124cfs |
Bayou Toro Near Toro
|
35cfs |
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 Lake Dam