Virden Recreation Club Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
Virden Recreation Club Lake Dam, located in Thayer, Illinois, is a private earth dam built in 1954 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 21 feet and stretching 605 feet in length, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 174 acre-feet and a normal storage of 127 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure safety and compliance.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Virden Recreation Club Lake Dam remains a vital structure for the local community's recreational activities. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's emergency action plan readiness, inundation maps, and risk management measures are being closely monitored. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, serving as a crucial component for managing water flow from the Sugar Creek-offstream.
Despite its unknown designer and limited federal agency involvement, Virden Recreation Club Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates continue to monitor and assess the dam's structural integrity and regulatory compliance, its role in providing recreational opportunities and water storage capacity remains paramount for the local community's well-being and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
605 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
SUGAR CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
174 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Virden Recreation Club Lake Dam