Lake Mingo Dam

WINDFALL CREEK· Vermilion, Illinois· Built 1981· Earth· 47 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Mingo Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 47 ft (taller than 89.6% in IL)
Dam Length920 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.3K acre-ft
Surface Area628 acres
Drainage Area35 sq mi
Max Discharge16,256 cfs
Year Completed1981 (45 years old)
NID IDIL50038

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 31, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

VERMILION COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Mingo Dam?

Lake Mingo Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Mingo Dam?

Lake Mingo Dam is owned by VERMILION COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Mingo Dam built?

Lake Mingo Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Mingo Dam?

Lake Mingo Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Mingo Dam?

Lake Mingo Dam has a dam height of 47 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Lake Mingo Dam last inspected?

Lake Mingo Dam was last inspected on August 31, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.