Zeigler City Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Zeigler City Lake Dam, located in Zeigler, Illinois, is a local government-owned structure designed by Roy Vinyard and completed in 1948.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated on the TRIB BIG MUDDY RIVER, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 1025 feet, providing a storage capacity of 528 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a spillway width of 48 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates, Zeigler City Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, it is inspected every three years to monitor any changes in its structural integrity. Despite its risk level, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, which could be a concern for the surrounding community in the event of a dam failure.

Considering its importance for recreation in the area, efforts to assess and manage the risks associated with Zeigler City Lake Dam should be prioritized to ensure the safety of both the dam structure and the downstream population. With its historical significance and role in water resource management, continued monitoring and potential upgrades may be necessary to mitigate any potential threats and enhance the resilience of this essential infrastructure.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

1025

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TRIB BIG MUDDY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

528

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.