Dam Facts

Smithville Dam is constructed of rolled earth and is 4,000 feet long and stands 90 feet above the streambed. The dam's impervious core consists of highly compacted clay that is virtually water tight. A sand Drain allows any water that passes through the clay core to exit safely through the dam. The outlet works, consisting of the control tower, conduit and stilling basin, permits the controlled release of water through the dam. The control tower is equipped with two hydraulically-operated gates which regulate the flow of water through the conduit. The stilling basin reduces the force of the water flowing downstream into the river channel.

Dam

Length of dam: 4000 ft.
Height of dam above streambed: 90 ft.
Crown Width: 30 ft.
Base Width: 90 ft.
Volume of Concrete in dam: 12,000 cubic yards
Volume of Earth fill: 3,200,000 cubic yards

Outlet Works

Type: 8’x9’ concrete box
Capacity: 3490 cubic feet per second
Length of conduit: 664 ft.