Boy Scout Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Boy Scout Lake Dam, located in Shelby County, Illinois, was completed in 1975 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 318 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 140 acre-feet of water. The dam is situated on Coal Creek and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Boy Scout Lake Dam is subject to moderate risk according to a risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently unavailable, it undergoes inspections every five years to monitor its integrity and safety. Emergency action plans and inundation maps for the dam are currently not prepared, indicating a potential area for improvement in risk management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Boy Scout Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. With its recreational focus and regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible dam construction and maintenance in ensuring both safety and environmental sustainability. The dam's location and design present unique challenges and opportunities for conservation efforts and risk management strategies, making it a valuable case study for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
318 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
COAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Boy Scout Lake Dam