Taylor Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dennis Russell Dam Daum Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Taylor Lake Dam, located in Knox County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3.
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Summary
Constructed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 21 feet tall and spans 290 feet in length. It serves multiple purposes, including recreation and other activities, with a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Taylor Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 48 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam undergoes inspections every five years, with the last recorded assessment taking place in July 2020.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Taylor Lake Dam can appreciate its contribution to water management and recreational opportunities in the area. With its earth construction and buttress core type, the dam's design and functionality showcase a blend of conservation and practicality. As a key structure on the Trib Spoon River, the dam plays a vital role in maintaining water levels and supporting various activities for the local community.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SPOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Taylor Lake Dam