Lake Summerset Dam

About Lake Summerset Dam

The primary purpose of Lake Summerset Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Lake Summerset Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the South Branch Otter Creek near Durand.

The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 1,794 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 301 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,312 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. 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 10/13/2025.

At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.

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.

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