Heritage Lake Dam

TRIB MACKINAW RIVER· Tazewell, Illinois· Built 1968· Earth· 56 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Heritage Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 56 ft (taller than 94.4% in IL)
Dam Length590 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.7K acre-ft
Surface Area78 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,820 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDIL00346

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: Yes
Last Inspection: September 30, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

HERITAGE LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Heritage Lake Dam?

Heritage 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 Heritage Lake Dam?

Heritage Lake Dam is owned by HERITAGE LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Heritage Lake Dam built?

Heritage Lake Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Heritage Lake Dam?

Heritage 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 Heritage Lake Dam?

Heritage Lake Dam has a dam height of 56 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 Heritage Lake Dam last inspected?

Heritage Lake Dam was last inspected on September 30, 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.