Smithland Dam

UNNAMED TRIB- OHIO RIVER· Livingston, Kentucky· Built 1987· Earth· 39 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Smithland Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 39 ft (taller than 71.5% in KY)
Dam Length2,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area66 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1987 (39 years old)
NID IDKY01054

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 5, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

JIM SMITH CONTRACTING CORPORATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smithland Dam?

Smithland 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 Smithland Dam?

Smithland Dam is owned by JIM SMITH CONTRACTING CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smithland Dam built?

Smithland Dam was completed in 1987, making it 39 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 Smithland Dam?

Smithland 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 Smithland Dam?

Smithland Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Smithland Dam last inspected?

Smithland Dam was last inspected on February 5, 2018. 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.