Lake Taylorville Locust Creek Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lake Taylorville Locust Creek Detention Basin Dam in Taylorville, Illinois, is a privately owned dam designed by NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 2001, this stone dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 700 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet. Located on Locust Creek, the dam has a controlled spillway width of 453 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 15,000 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective flood control measures for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks for the 32.5 square mile drainage area it serves. Despite its importance in flood control, the dam's normal storage capacity is reported as zero, indicating its primary function as a detention basin rather than a permanent reservoir.
The Lake Taylorville Locust Creek Detention Basin Dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset in the flood-prone region, serving as a key component in the overall flood risk reduction strategy. With its controlled spillway and efficient design, the dam exemplifies effective water resource management practices, contributing to the safety and resilience of the local community.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Drainage Area |
32.5 |
Nid Storage |
2000 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Lake Taylorville Locust Creek Detention Basin Dam