Illinois Central Railroad Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
The Illinois Central Railroad Reservoir Dam, located in Washington, Illinois, was completed in 1930 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a private recreational site along the tributary of the Little Muddy River.
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Summary
With a height of 24 feet and a length of 590 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource structure in the area. The dam is state-regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets inspection, permitting, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its age, the Illinois Central Railroad Reservoir Dam remains in good condition with a moderate risk assessment level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet, contributing to its hazard potential being classified as significant. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available," its last inspection date was in August 2020, with inspections scheduled every three years to ensure maintenance and safety standards are upheld. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam continues to provide a valuable resource for water enthusiasts in the region.
As a historic water resource structure in Illinois, the Illinois Central Railroad Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and conservation efforts. Owned privately, the dam's design and construction were overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, showcasing a collaboration between government agencies and private entities to manage water resources effectively. With its location in the city of DuBois and the oversight of state regulators, the dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, offering both recreational opportunities and essential water management capabilities for the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
590 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB LITTLE MUDDY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
220 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Illinois Central Railroad Reservoir Dam