Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 52 ft (taller than 92.7% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 146 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00688 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
Nearby Dams
Mill Creek Structure 6 Dam
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 34 ftMill Creek Structure 8 Dam
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 40 ftBass Lake Dam
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 33 ftMill Creek Structure 7 Dam
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 42 ftMill Creek WS Str 4
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 35 ftMill Creek Structure 3 Dam
Clark, IL
Significant Hazard 38 ftLashbrook Pond Dam
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 40 ftMill Creek Structure 9 Dam
Clark, IL
Low Hazard 46 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam?
Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam?
Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam built?
Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam?
Lincoln Trail State Park 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 Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam?
Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam has a dam height of 52 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 Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam last inspected?
Lincoln Trail State Park Lake Dam was last inspected on September 21, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.