Smith Lake 1 Dam

DEPARTEE CREEK-TR· White, Arkansas· Built 1966· Earth· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Smith Lake 1 Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 17 ft (taller than 12.3% in AR)
Dam Length570 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage94 acre-ft
Normal Storage52 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge64 cfs
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDAR00292

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: No
Last Inspection: May 7, 1981
State Regulated: No

Ownership

BERNARD SMITH

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith Lake 1 Dam?

Smith Lake 1 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 Smith Lake 1 Dam?

Smith Lake 1 Dam is owned by BERNARD SMITH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smith Lake 1 Dam built?

Smith Lake 1 Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Smith Lake 1 Dam?

Smith Lake 1 Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Smith Lake 1 Dam?

Smith Lake 1 Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Smith Lake 1 Dam last inspected?

Smith Lake 1 Dam was last inspected on May 7, 1981. 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.