Virginia Smith
Key Takeaway
Virginia Smith is classified as high hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 91 ft (taller than 99.6% in NE) |
| Dam Length | 7,295 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 177.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 127.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,123 acres |
| Drainage Area | 147 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
| NID ID | NE02287 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Virginia Smith?
Virginia Smith 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 Virginia Smith?
Virginia Smith is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Virginia Smith built?
Virginia Smith was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 Virginia Smith?
Virginia Smith serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Virginia Smith?
Virginia Smith has a dam height of 91 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 Virginia Smith last inspected?
Virginia Smith was last inspected on September 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.