Spoon Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Spoon Lake Dam, located in Williamsfield, Illinois, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1971 by the COMPUTER CORP. OF AMERICA, this earth dam stands at a height of 74 feet and spans a length of 1128 feet. With a storage capacity of 19,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 610 acres, the dam controls the flow of water from the TRIB SPOON RIVER and has a maximum discharge of 2,870 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Spoon Lake Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Although its hazard potential is classified as high, the risk assessment is moderate. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 28 feet. Despite its risk level, Spoon Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and provides a picturesque recreational spot for visitors to enjoy.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Spoon Lake Dam a fascinating structure to explore, with its unique design and function. As a significant feature in the Rock Island District, this dam not only contributes to flood control and water storage but also offers a tranquil setting for recreational activities. With its rich history and ongoing management by the IDNR, Spoon Lake Dam continues to be a vital asset in the region, showcasing the intersection of human engineering with environmental conservation in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1128

Dam Height

74

River Or Stream

TRIB SPOON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

610

Drainage Area

17.4

Nid Storage

19500

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

74
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.