Lake Hamilton Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Hamilton Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 12.5% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 565 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 216 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 117 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00056 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF BENTON
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lake Benton Dam
Franklin, IL
Significant Hazard 22 ftLiberty Land/Mine 24/North Pond Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 24 ftRend Dam
Franklin, IL
High Hazard 54 ftMirror Lake Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 13 ftLake Moses Dam
Franklin, IL
Significant Hazard 10 ftOld Ben/Mine 24/Sediment and Slurry Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 30 ftLiberty Land/Mine 24/Slurry Cell 2 Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 55 ftLiberty Land/Mine 24/Freshwater Lake Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Hamilton Dam?
Lake Hamilton 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 Hamilton Dam?
Lake Hamilton Dam is owned by CITY OF BENTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Hamilton Dam built?
Lake Hamilton Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Hamilton Dam?
Lake Hamilton 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 Lake Hamilton Dam?
Lake Hamilton Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Hamilton Dam last inspected?
Lake Hamilton Dam was last inspected on May 17, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.