Smith Lake Dam

TR MISSISSIPPI RIVER· Pike, Missouri· Built 1903· Earth· 31 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Smith Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 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	31 ft (taller than 73.7% in MO)
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	66 acre-ft
Normal Storage	34 acre-ft

Surface Area	4 acres
Drainage Area	45 sq mi
Year Completed	1903 (123 years old)
NID ID	MO11124

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: July 8, 1980

State Regulated: No

Ownership

WAYNE B SMITH INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Miller Dam

Pike, MO

Significant Hazard 30 ft

Vitale Lake

Pike, MO

High Hazard 44 ft

Stormwater Management Dam

Pike, MO

Low Hazard 83 ft

Williams,Paul Dam

Pike, MO

High Hazard 28 ft

Blair Lake Dam

Pike, MO

High Hazard 40 ft

Vera Lake Dam

Pike, MO

High Hazard 25 ft

Evans & Wertz's Dam

Pike, MO

Low Hazard 26 ft

Tievoli Hills Lake #1 Dam

Pike, MO

Low Hazard 40 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith Lake Dam?

Smith Lake 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 Dam?

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

When was Smith Lake Dam built?

Smith Lake Dam was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Dam?

Smith Lake 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 Dam?

Smith Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Dam last inspected?

Smith Lake Dam was last inspected on July 8, 1980. 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.