Crane Lake Water Control Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Crane Lake Water Control Dam, located in Browning, Illinois, is a state-regulated structure designed by Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
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Summary
The dam serves as a fish and wildlife pond along the Crane Lake Channel, with a storage capacity of 3330 acre-feet and a surface area of 1100 acres. The dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 70 feet in length, featuring a controlled spillway with a width of 8 feet.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Crane Lake Water Control Dam has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity. Although the dam is not owned by a federal agency, its primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife habitats highlights its importance in maintaining ecological balance in the area.
With its unique design as a buttress dam and controlled spillway, the Crane Lake Water Control Dam stands as a vital resource for water management and conservation in Mason County, Illinois. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this structure intriguing for its role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting the local ecosystem, making it a key feature in the region's environmental landscape.
Dam Length |
70 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
CRANE LAKE CHANNEL |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
1100 |
Drainage Area |
12.6 |
Nid Storage |
3330 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
356cfs |
La Moine River At Ripley
|
33cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
161cfs |
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
146cfs |
Salt Creek Near Greenview
|
159cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
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.
Crane Lake Water Control Dam