Spoon Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Spoon Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 74 ft (taller than 97.6% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,128 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 19.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 13.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 610 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,870 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00422 |
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
OAK RUN PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Private
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Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Spoon Lake Dam?
Spoon 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 Spoon Lake Dam?
Spoon Lake Dam is owned by OAK RUN PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Spoon Lake Dam built?
Spoon 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 Spoon Lake Dam?
Spoon 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 Spoon Lake Dam?
Spoon Lake Dam has a dam height of 74 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 Spoon Lake Dam last inspected?
Spoon Lake Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.