Lake Smith Dam

Direct to Little Creek Reservoir - VAHU6 CB26 Lower Chesapeake Bay - Little Creek· Virginia Beach, Virginia· Earth· 15 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Smith Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. 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 15 ft (taller than 11.8% in VA)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage906 acre-ft
Surface Area193 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
NID IDVA810005

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 29, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Norfolk Department of Utilities

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Little Creek Reservoir Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

High Hazard 8 ft

Lake Whitehurst Dam

Norfolk, VA

High Hazard 26 ft

Thoroughgood Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

Unknown 8 ft

Thoroughgood Lake # 5 Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

Unknown 7 ft

Kingston Lake Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Great Neck Lake # 7 Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

Unknown 7 ft

Lake 6 Great Neck Area Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

Unknown 8 ft

Indian Lakes Dam

Virginia Beach, VA

Unknown 11 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Smith Dam?

Lake 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 Smith Dam?

Lake Smith Dam is owned by Norfolk Department of Utilities (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Smith Dam?

Lake Smith Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Smith Dam?

Lake Smith Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Smith Dam last inspected?

Lake Smith Dam was last inspected on March 29, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.