Sandy Run Lake Dam

TRIB BEAR CREEK· White, Illinois· Built 1903· Earth· 29 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sandy Run Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 58.2% in IL)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage529 acre-ft
Normal Storage230 acre-ft
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
NID IDIL00583

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: March 24, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

SANDY RUN LAKE INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sandy Run Lake Dam?

Sandy Run 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 Sandy Run Lake Dam?

Sandy Run Lake Dam is owned by SANDY RUN LAKE INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sandy Run Lake Dam built?

Sandy Run Lake Dam was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Sandy Run Lake Dam?

Sandy Run 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 Sandy Run Lake Dam?

Sandy Run Lake Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Sandy Run Lake Dam last inspected?

Sandy Run Lake Dam was last inspected on March 24, 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.