Smith Lake
Key Takeaway
Smith Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 25.1% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 42 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 220 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,240 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00002 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
MNDNR
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Smith Lake?
Smith Lake is owned by MNDNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Smith Lake built?
Smith Lake was completed in 1939, making it 87 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?
Smith Lake 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?
Smith Lake has a dam height of 9 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 last inspected?
Smith Lake was last inspected on September 16, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.