Franklin Waverly Outing Club Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Franklin Waverly Outing Club Lake Dam, located in Morgan County, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1900 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 360 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 279 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Woods Creek-offstream and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last inspection conducted in June 2020. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 46 feet. The risk assessment for the dam has been classified as moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. Emergency action plans and inundation maps for the dam are not currently available, but the dam is deemed to meet regulatory guidelines.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Franklin Waverly Outing Club Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in privately owned recreational dams in Illinois. With its historical significance and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

WOODS CREEK-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

279

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.