Far Oaks Lake Dam

TRIB LITTLE CANTEEN CREEK· St. Clair, Illinois· Built 1901· Earth· 26 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Far Oaks Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 47.1% in IL)
Dam Length360 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage110 acre-ft
Normal Storage68 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge105 cfs
Year Completed1901 (125 years old)
Year Modified2007
NID IDIL00382

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: June 8, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

H & L BUILDERS L.L.C.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Far Oaks Lake Dam?

Far Oaks 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 Far Oaks Lake Dam?

Far Oaks Lake Dam is owned by H & L BUILDERS L.L.C. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Far Oaks Lake Dam built?

Far Oaks Lake Dam was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Far Oaks Lake Dam?

Far Oaks 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 Far Oaks Lake Dam?

Far Oaks Lake Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Far Oaks Lake Dam last inspected?

Far Oaks Lake Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2020. 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.