Smith Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Lake Dam, located in Elgin, Texas, is a privately owned structure on Big Sandy Creek with a primary purpose of irrigation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1957, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 650 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 259 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 23 acres, serving as a vital resource for water management in the region.

Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Smith Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. In case of emergencies, the dam has two uncontrolled outlet gates and a spillway width of 130 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition remains unrated, with no available hazard potential information.

With its historical significance and essential role in irrigation, Smith Lake Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Bastrop County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition, its importance in maintaining water supply and managing flood risks remains paramount for the community and ecosystem it serves.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

BIG SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

259

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.