Bessler Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bessler Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 29 ft (taller than 58.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 180 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 44 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 37 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00997 |
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
ALBERT TOWNE
Private
Nearby Dams
Wildwood Lake Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 27 ftLake of The Whispering Oaks Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 20 ftGrand Oaks Lake Dam
Tazewell, IL
Significant Hazard 22 ftNorthern Oaks Lake Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 50 ftBirkey Lake Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 28 ftLutticken Lake Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 60 ftLutticken South Pond Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 33 ftHome Lake Dam
Tazewell, IL
Low Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bessler Lake Dam?
Bessler 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 Bessler Lake Dam?
Bessler Lake Dam is owned by ALBERT TOWNE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bessler Lake Dam built?
Bessler Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Bessler Lake Dam?
Bessler 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 Bessler Lake Dam?
Bessler Lake Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Bessler Lake Dam last inspected?
Bessler Lake Dam was last inspected on April 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.