Shad Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Meshach Lake Dam Enke Pond Dam 1
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Shad Lake Dam, located in Macoupin, Illinois, is a rockfill dam primarily used for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 450 feet. With a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres, Shad Lake Dam sits on the Coop Branch river and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.
Managed by the local government, Shad Lake Dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, making it an impressive sight for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, with the last inspection conducted in May 2018. While it meets state permitting and inspection requirements, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk management measures remain unclear. However, with its picturesque location and recreational offerings, Shad Lake Dam continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Illinois.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
COOP BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
4.1 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Shad Lake Dam