Sportsman Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Centralia Dam Kings Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sportsman Lake Dam, located in Marion, Illinois, was completed in 1957 and is owned privately.
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Summary
The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 17 feet and stretches 450 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating on Sportsman Lake.
The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 43 feet and outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in July 2018, with inspections scheduled every five years to ensure its safety and integrity for the surrounding community.
Sportsman Lake Dam provides a vital water resource for the area, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Its presence not only offers recreational opportunities but also plays a role in managing water levels and ensuring the overall health of the ecosystem. With its scenic location and careful regulation, Sportsman Lake Dam is a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and protect.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Sportsman Lake Dam