Carl Smith
Key Takeaway
Carl Smith is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 2000 and is 26 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 52 ft (taller than 89% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 920 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,475 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2000 (26 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00629 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
LEROUX CREEK WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Carl Smith?
Carl Smith is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Carl Smith?
Carl Smith is owned by LEROUX CREEK WATER USERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Carl Smith built?
Carl Smith was completed in 2000, making it 26 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Carl Smith?
Carl Smith serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Carl Smith?
Carl Smith has a dam height of 52 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Carl Smith last inspected?
Carl Smith was last inspected on May 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.