Shaw Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Owens Lake Dam Brighton Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Shaw Lake Dam in Macoupin, Illinois, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 270 feet in length. While its normal storage capacity is listed as zero, the dam is situated on the TRIB WEST FORK WOOD R, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
Regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Shaw Lake Dam has a high hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite having a condition assessment listed as not available, the dam undergoes inspections every five years with the last one conducted in July 2020. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, and it is not associated with any federal agencies for funding or operations.
Located in the Kansas City District, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and inundation maps are not provided in the data. However, for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shaw Lake Dam presents an intriguing subject for further exploration and study in the context of its recreational purpose, structural design, and regulatory oversight in the state of Illinois.
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB WEST FORK WOOD R |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Shaw Lake Dam