Patrick Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Patrick Lake Dam, located in McDonough, Illinois, serves as a vital recreational resource for water enthusiasts in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1946, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 445 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, the dam primarily caters to recreational activities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Patrick Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 17 feet, providing a means of managing water discharge during high flow events.

While the condition assessment of Patrick Lake Dam is currently listed as "Not Available," the last inspection in July 2015 deemed its risk potential as moderate. With its picturesque location near Troublesome Creek and ample recreational opportunities, this dam remains a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate in the heart of Illinois.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

445

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TRIB TROUBLESOME CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

112

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.