Macoupin Energy Smith Reservoir Dam
Macoupin Energy Smith Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Macoupin County, Illinois, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Macoupin Energy Smith Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Macoupin Energy Smith Reservoir Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Macoupin Energy, Llc (private). It impounds the Trib Spanish Needle Creek near Hardin.
The dam stands 58 feet tall and stretches 820 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,784 acre-feet. Completed in 1969, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/24/2026.
At 58 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Illinois dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Macoupin |
| Nearest City | Hardin |
| River/Stream | Trib Spanish Needle Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.21767, -89.87874 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 58 ft |
| Dam Height | 58 ft |
| Dam Length | 820 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,784 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,784 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,288 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MACOUPIN ENERGY, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 03/24/2026 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL00780 |
| Federal ID | IL00780 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |