Smith Lake Dam

TR-LITTLE COW CREEK· Newton, Texas· Built 1950· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Private

Key Takeaway

Smith Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 19.7% in TX)
Dam Length1,290 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage70 acre-ft
Normal Storage35 acre-ft
Surface Area55 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDTX05269

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

BRENDA SMITH;HERBERT SMITH

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith Lake Dam?

Smith Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. 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 BRENDA SMITH;HERBERT SMITH (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 1950, making it 76 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

How tall is Smith Lake Dam?

Smith Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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.

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.