Piney Wood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schneider Pond Dam 1 Hickory Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Piney Wood Lake Dam, located in Pinkneyville, Illinois, was completed in 1954 and serves as a recreational area for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The earth dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 530 feet, is primarily used for recreation purposes and has a storage capacity of 265 acre-feet. Situated on the Locust Creek, the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 85 feet, and it is classified as having a low hazard potential.
Owned privately, Piney Wood Lake Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Despite its moderate risk assessment score, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment, and key emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps are not currently available. The dam's location in Washington County, Illinois, under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, further highlights its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
265 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Piney Wood Lake Dam