Kilton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kilton Pond Dam 2 Matthews Pond 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Montgomery County, Illinois, Kilton Lake Dam is a private dam with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 345 feet, providing a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. With a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam is regulated by the IDNR and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 29 feet, allowing a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Kilton Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures. The dam's location on Threemile Creek-offstream in Panama, Illinois, provides a valuable habitat for wildlife and offers recreational opportunities for visitors. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Kilton Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of the intersection between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems, showcasing the importance of balancing conservation with development.
As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the Kilton Lake Dam offers a compelling case study in dam management and regulation. With its multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and recreation, the dam plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing a source of enjoyment for the community. The collaboration between the USDA NRCS, the IDNR, and other agencies highlights the importance of partnership in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure. By understanding the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of Kilton Lake Dam, enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the complex interplay between human activities and natural resources in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
345 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
THREEMILE CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Kilton Lake Dam