Kays Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Kays Lake Dam, located in Pulaski, Illinois, is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and acting as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches for 400 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, the dam sits on the Trib Cache River and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its low hazard potential, Kays Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 11 feet, and its emergency action plan status and risk assessment are currently marked as moderate. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, its risk management measures and inundation maps prepared status remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kays Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in fire protection and wildlife conservation. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s, this earth dam continues to provide essential functions while being closely monitored by state regulatory agencies. Its location on the Trib Cache River adds to its ecological significance, making it a site of interest for those passionate about water management and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TRIB CACHE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

77

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.