Smith Lake
Key Takeaway
Smith Lake is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 | 16 ft (taller than 20.4% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 470 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 238 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 198 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 66 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | NC01129 |
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
Fort Liberty
Federal Government
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Smith Lake?
Smith Lake 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?
Smith Lake is owned by Fort Liberty (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Smith Lake built?
Smith Lake was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 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.
When was Smith Lake last inspected?
Smith Lake was last inspected on February 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.