Lake Walter Scott Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Walter Scott Dam, located in Effingham, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 33 feet and a length of 370 feet, creates Lake Walter Scott, offering a serene water source for recreational activities and water supply. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a storage capacity of 331 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 198 acre-feet, Lake Walter Scott Dam plays a vital role in providing water resources for the surrounding area while also serving as a recreational haven. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 114 feet, ensuring proper water release during times of excess flow. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to moderate risk assessment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to maintain its safety and integrity for climate enthusiasts and water resource conservationists alike.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB BISHOP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
331 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Lake Walter Scott Dam