Lake Rice Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Storey Dam Dennis Russell Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Lake Rice Dam, located in Knox County, Illinois, was completed in 1895 and serves multiple purposes, including recreation and water supply.
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Summary
The earth dam, standing at a height of 35 feet with a length of 585 feet, has a storage capacity of 1511 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 66 acres. The dam regulates the flow of the Trib Court Creek and has a spillway width of 240 feet.
Managed by a private entity, Lake Rice Dam is state-regulated and undergoes inspections and enforcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment not being available, but a moderate risk assessment has been assigned. While the emergency action plan status and inundation maps are not currently updated, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has no locks associated with it.
This historic dam offers recreational opportunities for visitors while also contributing to the local water supply. With its scenic surroundings and vital role in water management, Lake Rice Dam stands as a key feature in the region, requiring ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for both present and future generations.
Year Completed |
1895 |
Dam Length |
585 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB COURT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
66 |
Drainage Area |
2.7 |
Nid Storage |
1511 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
Edwards River Near Orion
|
66cfs |
Indian Creek Near Wyoming
|
3cfs |
Henderson Creek Near Oquawka
|
39cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
146cfs |
Pope Creek Near Keithsburg
|
30cfs |
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.
Lake Rice Dam