Birkey Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Birkey 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 | 28 ft (taller than 54.6% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 540 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 105 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 76 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00998 |
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
SAM BIRKEY
Private
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Significant Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Birkey Lake Dam?
Birkey 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 Birkey Lake Dam?
Birkey Lake Dam is owned by SAM BIRKEY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Birkey Lake Dam built?
Birkey 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 Birkey Lake Dam?
Birkey 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 Birkey Lake Dam?
Birkey Lake Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Birkey Lake Dam last inspected?
Birkey Lake Dam was last inspected on July 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.