Lake Bloomington Dam

MONEY CREEK· McLean, Illinois· Built 1930· Earth· 51 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Bloomington Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 51 ft (taller than 92.4% in IL)
Dam Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage17.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage8.8K acre-ft
Surface Area635 acres
Drainage Area70 sq mi
Max Discharge48,147 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDIL00282

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: December 17, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF BLOOMINGTON

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Bloomington Dam?

Lake Bloomington 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 Lake Bloomington Dam?

Lake Bloomington Dam is owned by CITY OF BLOOMINGTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Bloomington Dam built?

Lake Bloomington Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Lake Bloomington Dam?

Lake Bloomington Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Bloomington Dam?

Lake Bloomington Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Lake Bloomington Dam last inspected?

Lake Bloomington Dam was last inspected on December 17, 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.