Smith Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith, a private-owned dam located in Afton, Minnesota, plays a crucial role in grade stabilization along Valley Creek.


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Summary

This concrete dam, with a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, helps control the flow of water in the region. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Smith is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

Although classified as having a low hazard potential, Smith has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam's last inspection took place in July 2016, with a recurring frequency of every 8 years. Despite its age and lack of recent modifications, Smith continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. With a drainage area of 3.4 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, this structure plays a vital role in water resource management in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Smith in maintaining ecological balance and water flow regulation is crucial. With its specific design features and operational parameters, Smith stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for the benefit of communities and ecosystems alike. Monitoring and ensuring the proper maintenance of such structures are essential to safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential environmental risks in the face of changing climate patterns.

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

VALLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

3.4

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.