Wood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Emil Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Wood Lake Dam, located in Moultrie County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 430 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 567 acre-feet and a normal storage of 246 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary of the Kaskaskia River and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its integrity.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is still subject to moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3 out of 5. The spillway of the Wood Lake Dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 112 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. While the condition assessment is currently marked as not available, the last inspection in 2007 reported no significant issues. Although there are no associated locks, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in case of any unforeseen events.
Wood Lake Dam provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and recreational activities in the Findlay-Offstream area. Its location, design, and purpose make it an essential part of the local landscape, offering both leisure opportunities and a water resource management function. Climate and water enthusiasts can appreciate the delicate balance of maintaining a structure that combines both recreational value and necessary regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB KASKASKIA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
567 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Shelbyville Dam - Wood Dam
Moultrie County