Lake Ft Smith Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Ft Smith Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 196 ft (taller than 99.3% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 3,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 140.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 84.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,400 acres |
| Drainage Area | 75 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 135,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00446 |
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
CITY OF FORT SMITH
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Lake Ft Smith Dam?
Lake Ft Smith Dam 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 Lake Ft Smith Dam?
Lake Ft Smith Dam is owned by CITY OF FORT SMITH (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Ft Smith Dam built?
Lake Ft Smith Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Lake Ft Smith Dam?
Lake Ft Smith Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Ft Smith Dam?
Lake Ft Smith Dam has a dam height of 196 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 Lake Ft Smith Dam last inspected?
Lake Ft Smith Dam was last inspected on February 16, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.