Barnes Lake Dam

TRIB ILLINOIS RIVER· Marshall, Illinois· Built 1957· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Barnes Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 37.7% in IL)
Dam Length410 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage89 acre-ft
Normal Storage37 acre-ft
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)
NID IDIL01165

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: No
Last Inspection: May 19, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

ROBERT BARNES, SR.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Barnes Lake Dam?

Barnes Lake 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 Barnes Lake Dam?

Barnes Lake Dam is owned by ROBERT BARNES, SR. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Barnes Lake Dam built?

Barnes Lake Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Barnes Lake Dam?

Barnes Lake 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 Barnes Lake Dam?

Barnes Lake Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Barnes Lake Dam last inspected?

Barnes Lake Dam was last inspected on May 19, 2023. 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.