Schlipf Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barwell Lake Dam Sunset Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Schlipf Lake Dam, located in Mackinaw, Illinois, was completed in 1945 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at 31 feet high and spans 287 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and 27 feet wide, with a low hazard potential rating and a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam has a history of meeting safety guidelines and has emergency action plans in place for potential incidents. The Schlipf Lake Dam is situated on the tributary Vincent Run in Woodford County, Illinois, and is a key structure in the local water resource management system.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Schlipf Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with a diverse range of purposes and regulatory oversight. Its location, design, and management offer insights into how smaller dams contribute to local ecosystems and community resilience. As efforts to improve dam safety and environmental sustainability continue, the Schlipf Lake Dam serves as a valuable example of responsible water resource management in action.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
287 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB VINCENT RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
64 |
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.
Schlipf Lake Dam