Sears Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cross Lake Dam Spin Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Sears Lake Dam, located in Mackinaw, Illinois, was completed in 1971 and serves as a recreational spot for water and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 31 feet and a length of 365 feet, impounds Funks Branch and offers a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this privately-owned dam is for recreation, providing a serene environment for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Sears Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway, with a width of 69 feet, is uncontrolled and has a low hazard potential. Although the condition assessment is not available, the risk assessment has been classified as moderate. Emergency action plans are in place, and the dam undergoes inspections every five years to maintain its integrity and safety standards.
Overall, Sears Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities while maintaining a moderate level of risk. With its strategic location in McLean County, Illinois, and managed by the state regulatory agency, the dam serves as a vital resource for water storage, flood control, and wildlife habitat preservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
365 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
FUNKS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
177 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Sears Lake Dam