Sears Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sears Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 31 ft (taller than 66.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 365 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 177 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00300 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
JIM SLONEKER
Private
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Cross Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 26 ftLe Baube Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftBarwell Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftSunset Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 21 ftHeritage Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 56 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sears Lake Dam?
Sears Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sears Lake Dam?
Sears Lake Dam is owned by JIM SLONEKER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sears Lake Dam built?
Sears Lake Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Sears Lake Dam?
Sears 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 Sears Lake Dam?
Sears Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Sears Lake Dam last inspected?
Sears Lake Dam was last inspected on July 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.