Earl Smith Dam 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Earl Smith Dam 2, located in Gray County, Texas, was completed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS and stands at a height of 24 feet.


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Summary

This private earth dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control and has a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 73 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-THUT Creek and is managed by the owner, with state permitting and inspection in place.

Despite its small size, Earl Smith Dam 2 poses a high risk due to its condition assessment being not rated and its hazard potential not available. The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate, with no associated locks. While it doesn't fall under USACE jurisdiction, its risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps status remain unclear. With a drainage area of 420 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Earl Smith Dam 2 an intriguing subject for further study and monitoring. Its design and construction by the NRCS, coupled with its high risk classification, make it a valuable case study for understanding the challenges and importance of maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As an earth dam on TR-THUT Creek, the dam's role in managing water flow and storage highlights the interconnectedness of water resources and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-THUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

420

Nid Storage

102

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.