Borgsmiller Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Borgsmiller Lake Dam, located in Murphysboro, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, the dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 400 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Big Muddy River-offstream and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

With a significant hazard potential, Borgsmiller Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 out of 5. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are also not specified in the data.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Borgsmiller Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in the management of private dams for recreational purposes in Illinois. The dam's location within the St. Louis District and its association with the USDA NRCS highlight the collaboration between federal and state agencies in overseeing dam safety and regulation. As the dam continues to be inspected and monitored, its role in providing recreational opportunities while mitigating flood risks remains a key focus for stakeholders and officials in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BIG MUDDY RIVER-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

56

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.