Buchanan Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Buchanan Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 27 ft (taller than 51.5% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 575 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Max Discharge | 120 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1987 (39 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50202 |
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
RICHARD AND SHARON BUCHANAN
Private
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Low Hazard 46 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buchanan Lake Dam?
Buchanan 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 Buchanan Lake Dam?
Buchanan Lake Dam is owned by RICHARD AND SHARON BUCHANAN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Buchanan Lake Dam built?
Buchanan Lake Dam was completed in 1987, making it 39 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 Buchanan Lake Dam?
Buchanan 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 Buchanan Lake Dam?
Buchanan Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Buchanan Lake Dam last inspected?
Buchanan Lake Dam was last inspected on May 10, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.