New Gillespie Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
New Gillespie Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 41 ft (taller than 84.9% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 868 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 216 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,283 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00781 |
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 GILLESPIE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Old Gillespie Lake Dam
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 35 ftWhitfield Pond Dam 3
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 30 ftWhitfield Pond Dam 2
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 28 ftWhitfield Lake Dam
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 30 ftBellm Pond 2 Dam
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 28 ftBellm Pond Dam
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 30 ftMacoupin Energy Recirculation Pond Dam
Macoupin, IL
High Hazard 43 ftSuhling Pond Dam
Macoupin, IL
Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of New Gillespie Lake Dam?
New Gillespie 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 New Gillespie Lake Dam?
New Gillespie Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF GILLESPIE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was New Gillespie Lake Dam built?
New Gillespie 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 New Gillespie Lake Dam?
New Gillespie Lake 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 New Gillespie Lake Dam?
New Gillespie Lake Dam has a dam height of 41 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 New Gillespie Lake Dam last inspected?
New Gillespie Lake Dam was last inspected on November 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.