Lewis Smith
Key Takeaway
Lewis Smith is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 300 ft (taller than 99.9% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 2,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 1.7M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21,200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 944 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 317,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | AL01420 |
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
Alabama Power Company
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lewis Smith?
Lewis 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 Lewis Smith?
Lewis Smith is owned by Alabama Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lewis Smith built?
Lewis Smith was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Lewis Smith?
Lewis Smith serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Navigation, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lewis Smith?
Lewis Smith has a dam height of 300 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 Lewis Smith last inspected?
Lewis Smith was last inspected on March 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.