Visitor Center Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Visitor Center Dam, situated in Williamson County, Illinois, serves as a vital structure for managing water resources and promoting wildlife conservation in the region.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the Fish and Wildlife Service, this earth dam was completed in 2009 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond. With a design by BASEPOINT, the dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans a length of 1065 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 380 acre-feet.

The dam's hydraulic and structural components were last modified in 2009, ensuring its continued functionality and safety. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Visitor Center Dam is well-equipped to handle its maximum discharge of 160 cubic feet per second. The controlled spillway, outlet gates, and rock and soil foundations further enhance the dam's resilience, making it a crucial asset for water management and wildlife preservation efforts in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Visitor Center Dam indicates a very high risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. The dam's association with the Crab Orchard Lake-TR watershed underscores its significance in the local ecosystem. As a hub for recreational activities and a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, Visitor Center Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and conservation efforts in Illinois.

Years Modified

2009 - Hydraulic, 2009 - Structural

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

1065

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

CRAB ORCHARD LAKE-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35.5

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.74

Nid Storage

380

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.