Lake Bracken Dam

BRUSH CREEK· Knox, Illinois· Built 1922· Earth· 47 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Bracken Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 47 ft (taller than 89.6% in IL)
Dam Length620 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage884 acre-ft
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDIL00415

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

Ownership

BRACKEN HOLDINGS CORP

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Bracken Dam?

Lake Bracken 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 Bracken Dam?

Lake Bracken Dam is owned by BRACKEN HOLDINGS CORP (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Bracken Dam built?

Lake Bracken Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Bracken Dam?

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

How tall is Lake Bracken Dam?

Lake Bracken Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Bracken Dam last inspected?

Lake Bracken Dam was last inspected on July 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.