Shale Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
Shale Lake Dam, also known as Burris Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Williamson, Illinois.
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Summary
Completed in 1988, this earth dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 810 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 575 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 20 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Shale Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with relevant guidelines. The dam's spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is uncontrolled, and the hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam has a regular inspection frequency of every 5 years to monitor its integrity and functionality.
Situated on the tributary of Silver Creek, Shale Lake Dam is a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure in Madison County, Illinois. With its picturesque surroundings and recreational opportunities, this dam serves as a unique landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and engage with the natural beauty and engineering ingenuity of the area.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SILVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
575 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Shale Lake Dam