Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam

TRIB SALT CREEK· De Witt, Illinois· Built 1900· Earth· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 61.3% in IL)
Dam Length73 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage532 acre-ft
Normal Storage303 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,292 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDIL00206

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: Yes
Last Inspection: October 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam?

Weldon Springs State Park 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 Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam?

Weldon Springs 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 Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam built?

Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam?

Weldon Springs 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 Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam?

Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam last inspected?

Weldon Springs State Park Lake Dam was last inspected on October 14, 2022. 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.