Pleasant Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pleasant Valley Lake Dam, located in Carbondale, Illinois, is a private-owned Earth dam completed in 1958 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at 21 feet high and spans 600 feet across Wolf Creek, offering a maximum storage capacity of 132 acre-feet. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 42 feet. Its hazard potential is rated as moderate, and a risk assessment has been conducted, highlighting the importance of implementing risk management measures. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's last inspection in July 2014 indicated a low hazard potential and no immediate safety concerns. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unclear, and further updates on emergency contacts, inundation maps, and risk management strategies may be necessary to enhance safety protocols.

Overall, Pleasant Valley Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Williamson County, Illinois, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. With its regulated status and moderate risk assessment, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of this important water infrastructure in the community.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

132

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

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.