J.w. Smith Reservoir Dam
J.w. Smith Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Clayton County, Georgia, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About J.w. Smith Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of J.w. Smith Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Clayton County Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Shoal Creek near Fayetteville.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 1,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 250 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 4,090 acre-feet. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/12/2016. That was 10 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Georgia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Georgia |
| County | Clayton |
| Nearest City | Fayetteville |
| River/Stream | Shoal Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.41444, -84.38472 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,090 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,090 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,650 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 250 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Clayton County Water Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/12/2016 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA03893 |
| Federal ID | GA03893 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |