Smiths Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Garners Dam Robinson Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Smiths Dam, located in Greensville, Virginia, along Cattail Creek, serves a primary purpose of irrigation while also providing recreational opportunities.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 82 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements.
Despite being categorized as having an undetermined hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, Smiths Dam remains an essential resource for water management in the region. With a history and purpose rooted in irrigation, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. Its location and design also offer opportunities for recreation, highlighting the multi-functional aspects of water resource infrastructure in addressing both practical and leisure needs.
As a key component of water resource management in Virginia, Smiths Dam underscores the importance of balancing human needs with environmental considerations. With its regulated status and state oversight, the dam exemplifies the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in the face of climate change and evolving water resource challenges. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smiths Dam serves as a case study in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
CATTAIL CREEK |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Roanoke River At Roanoke Rapids
|
2810cfs |
Meherrin River At Emporia
|
327cfs |
Meherrin River Near Lawrenceville
|
238cfs |
Nottoway River Near Stony Creek
|
302cfs |
Nottoway River Near Rawlings
|
157cfs |
Nottoway River Near Sebrell
|
396cfs |
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.
Smiths Dam
Roanoke Rapids Road 601, Gaston