Inez Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Inez Lake Dam, located in St.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Clair, Illinois, is a private dam situated on TRIB RICHLAND CREEK with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam stands at a height of 23 feet and stretches for 305 feet, making it a significant structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. While the dam's condition assessment is not available and its hazard potential is deemed significant, its risk assessment is moderate, with a risk level of 3 out of 5.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Inez Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although the dam has no associated federal agencies for ownership, funding, design, construction, regulatory oversight, inspections, or operations, it remains a key recreational feature in the area. The dam's spillway type is categorized as uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 0, and it does not have any outlet gates or locks.

With a captivating location in Swansea, Illinois, Inez Lake Dam offers a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study a privately owned earth dam with a buttress core type. While the dam's storage capacity and drainage area are not specified, its presence on TRIB RICHLAND CREEK adds to the diversity of water infrastructure in the region. As a significant structure with a history dating back to an unknown completion year, Inez Lake Dam presents a blend of recreational value and environmental considerations for those interested in the intersection of water management and climate resilience.

Dam Length

305

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TRIB RICHLAND CREEK

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.