Smithton Sportsmans Club Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Smithton Sportsmans Club Lake Dam, located in St.
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Summary
Clair County, Illinois, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management for recreational purposes. Built in 1957, this private-owned Earth dam serves as a vital structure for the Smithton Sportsmans Club Lake, offering a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet and a normal storage of 95 acre-feet. The dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 500 feet, plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable water supply for recreational activities in the area.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the dam provides a safe recreational space for enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation while maintaining a balance between water conservation and safety.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Smithton Sportsmans Club Lake Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the interconnectedness of human activities and natural ecosystems. By recognizing the importance of sustainable water management practices and the role of dams in providing recreational opportunities, we can appreciate the efforts made to preserve and enhance this valuable resource for future generations. Through ongoing risk assessments and management measures, this Earth dam stands as a symbol of responsible stewardship in safeguarding our water resources against the backdrop of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB WEST FORK RICHLAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
135 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Smithton Sportsmans Club Lake Dam