Yates Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Yates Lake Dam, located in Madison County, Illinois, was completed in 1968 and is primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Owned by a private entity and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 400 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Trib Joulters Creek and is managed by the USDA NRCS.
Despite its low hazard potential, Yates Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment score of 3, prompting regular inspections every five years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, while lacking an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps. The risk management measures and other details related to the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness are not currently available. Overall, Yates Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the delicate balance between recreational use, regulatory oversight, and risk management in dam infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB JOULTERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Yates Lake Dam