Beaver Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Beaver Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 20.3% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 390 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 588 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 418 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 125 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00779 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Beaver Lake Dam built?
Beaver Lake Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver 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 Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Beaver Lake Dam last inspected?
Beaver Lake Dam was last inspected on May 31, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.