Smith No. 1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Johnson, Wyoming, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and small fish pond services. Completed in 1957, this dam stands at 27 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. It is situated on the Homestead Draw river or stream, in close proximity to the city of Arvada, Wyoming.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Smith No. 1 is regulated by the State of Wyoming and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and compliance. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3 out of 5, this dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and lacks outlet gates. Its last inspection in July 2020 revealed no major issues, indicating that Smith No. 1 continues to serve its intended purposes effectively.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith No. 1 offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam in a rural setting, providing essential services to the local community. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, this structure represents a blend of traditional engineering design and modern regulatory oversight. As climate change impacts water resources worldwide, understanding the management and maintenance of dams like Smith No. 1 becomes crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.