Milner Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Allen Pond Dam Sam Dale Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Milner Lake Dam, located in Wayne County, Illinois, was completed in 1954 and is primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 280 feet, with a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet.
Managed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Milner Lake Dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 26 feet and poses a low hazard potential. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been assessed for its condition and emergency preparedness measures are not currently in place. The surrounding area is served by Congressman John Shimkus and falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Milner Lake Dam serves as a fascinating case study in dam management and regulation. With its rich history and unique design features, the dam provides a valuable opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational use, environmental conservation, and public safety in water infrastructure projects. As efforts continue to assess and mitigate risks associated with the dam, its role in the local ecosystem and community resilience becomes increasingly significant in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource management challenges.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
JOHNSON FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Milner Lake Dam