Smithers Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Smithers Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 25.8% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 15,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 29.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,480 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,136 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | TX01564 |
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
NRG TEXAS POWER LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Paw Paw Dam
Fort Bend, TX
Low Hazard 29 ftFrost Reservoir No 2 Dam
Fort Bend, TX
Low Hazard 7 ftHorseshoe Lake Dam
Fort Bend, TX
Low Hazard 24 ftKitty Hollow Lake Dam
Fort Bend, TX
High Hazard 16 ftPilant Lake Dam
Fort Bend, TX
Low Hazard 7 ftElm Lake Dam
Fort Bend, TX
Low Hazard 8 ft40 Acre Lake Dam
Fort Bend, TX
Low Hazard 7 ftDam No 3
Fort Bend, TX
High Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Smithers Lake Dam?
Smithers Lake Dam 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 Smithers Lake Dam?
Smithers Lake Dam is owned by NRG TEXAS POWER LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Smithers Lake Dam built?
Smithers Lake Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Smithers Lake Dam?
Smithers Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Smithers Lake Dam?
Smithers Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Smithers Lake Dam last inspected?
Smithers Lake Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2010. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.