Little Swan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Little Swan Lake Dam, located in Avon-Offstream, Illinois, stands as a vital structure along Little Swan Creek for both water resource management and recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1968, this earth dam with a buttress core reaches a height of 49 feet and spans 958 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 5,423 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities in the area.
Managed by a private owner and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Little Swan Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment. Although the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and protecting the surrounding environment.
Despite its modest size and limited federal involvement, Little Swan Lake Dam serves as a valuable asset to the local community, offering both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management along Little Swan Creek. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of sustainable dam infrastructure like Little Swan Lake Dam only grows, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
958 |
Dam Height |
49 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE SWAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
5423 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
49 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
143cfs |
Henderson Creek Near Oquawka
|
45cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
Pope Creek Near Keithsburg
|
25cfs |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
406cfs |
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.
Little Swan Lake Dam