Lake Taylorville Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lake Taylorville Dam, located in Illinois along the South Fork Sangamon River, was completed in 1961 for the primary purpose of recreation and water supply.
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Summary
With a height of 27 feet and a length of 1400 feet, this earth dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 28,500 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 10,394 acre-feet. The dam's surface area spans 1,287 acres and serves a drainage area of 125 square miles.
Managed by the local government, Lake Taylorville Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway, with a width of 300 feet, is uncontrolled, and the hazard potential is classified as high, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite the lack of detailed condition assessment data, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the region's water resource management and recreational activities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Taylorville Dam represents a vital infrastructure supporting both recreational opportunities and water supply needs in the region. The dam's historical significance, engineering design by WARREN & VAN PRAAG, INC., and its location along the South Fork Sangamon River make it a notable structure worth studying and monitoring for its impact on the local ecosystem and surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK SANGAMON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1287 |
Drainage Area |
125 |
Nid Storage |
28500 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 Taylorville Dam