Smithport Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Smithport Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 51.1% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 2,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 42.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,028 acres |
| Drainage Area | 205 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2012 |
| NID ID | LA00028 |
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
Bayou Pierre Game and Fish Commission
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Smithport Lake Road Pond
De Soto, LA
Low Hazard 33 ftCarmel Lake No. 3
De Soto, LA
Significant Hazard 25 ftCarmel Dam
De Soto, LA
Significant Hazard 22 ftCarmel Dam No. 2
De Soto, LA
Low Hazard 15 ftAlmond Brothers Lumber Pond Dam
De Soto, LA
Low Hazard 16 ftBell Lake No. 2
De Soto, LA
Low Hazard 14 ftBell Lake
De Soto, LA
Low Hazard 13 ftBridges Pond Dam
De Soto, LA
Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Smithport Lake Dam?
Smithport 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 Smithport Lake Dam?
Smithport Lake Dam is owned by Bayou Pierre Game and Fish Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Smithport Lake Dam built?
Smithport Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Smithport Lake Dam?
Smithport Lake 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 Smithport Lake Dam?
Smithport 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 Smithport Lake Dam last inspected?
Smithport Lake Dam was last inspected on July 15, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.