Valier Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Valier, Illinois, the Valier Lake Dam, also known as Valier Lake, was completed in 1905 by the OLD BEN COAL CO.


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Summary

This private dam serves as a crucial recreational spot, offering a surface area of 71 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 890 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans a length of 1710 feet, providing a picturesque backdrop for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

The dam's primary purpose is recreation, with activities such as fishing and boating attracting visitors year-round. However, the Valier Lake Dam also poses a high hazard potential, as it has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates. Despite its age, the dam remains state-regulated and inspected, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. With a drainage area of 2.5 square miles and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Valier Lake Dam continues to be a focal point for both leisure and safety considerations.

As a significant structure in the Louisville District, the Valier Lake Dam warrants attention from water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight. With its unique design as an earth dam with buttress core types, the dam presents an interesting case study for those interested in dam engineering and management practices. Visitors to the site can appreciate the beauty of Andy Creek and the surrounding Franklin County landscape while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational and safety purposes.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

1710

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

ANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

71

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

890

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.