Sampsons Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Traylor Pond Dam 1 Moran Pond Dam 1
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Sampsons Lake Dam, located in Panama, Illinois, was completed in 1970 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This private dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans 234 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet. The dam is designed as an earth structure with a buttress core type, and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 29 feet.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Sampsons Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The last inspection was conducted in June 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Sampsons Lake Dam an intriguing site, with its unique design and purpose. The dam's location near the Tributary West Fork Shoal Creek offers a picturesque setting for recreational activities, making it an essential part of the natural landscape in Montgomery County, Illinois.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
234 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB WEST FORK SHOAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Sampsons Lake Dam