Lake Mauvaise Terre Dredge Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Located in Morgan County, Illinois, the Lake Mauvaise Terre Dredge Basin Dam is a vital structure managed by the local government to regulate the flow of Mauvaise Terre Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Designed by Benton & Associates, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans a length of 1700 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 545 acre-feet.

With a primary purpose of "Other," the dam serves various purposes and has a spillway type of "Uncontrolled," indicating its critical role in managing water levels during heavy precipitation events. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years, with the last inspection conducted in April 2018. While the condition assessment is not available, the risk assessment categorizes the structure as moderate with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the Lake Mauvaise Terre Dredge Basin Dam for its role in water management and flood control in the region. As a state-regulated and state-permitted structure, it showcases the importance of dam infrastructure in safeguarding communities and natural habitats from potential risks and hazards. The dam's location, design features, and operational details make it a noteworthy site for studying the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and infrastructure management in Illinois.

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

MAUVAISE TERRE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Nid Storage

545

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.