Lake Lou Yaeger Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Lou Yaeger Dam, located in Montgomery County, Illinois, is a vital water resource structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at 54 feet high and has a length of 1270 feet, providing essential recreation and water supply purposes for the area. With a maximum storage capacity of 44,430 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,410 acres, the dam controls the flow of the West Fork Shoal Creek and serves as a popular recreational destination.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and situated in the St. Louis District, Lake Lou Yaeger Dam boasts an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 850 feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one performed in November 2020. Although the condition assessment is currently unavailable, emergency action plans have been prepared and updated periodically to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in the event of a dam failure. With its picturesque setting and critical role in water management, Lake Lou Yaeger Dam is a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1270

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

WEST FORK SHOAL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1410

Drainage Area

104

Nid Storage

44430

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

54
       
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.