Lake Pauline Dam
Lake Pauline Dam is an earth dam located in Effingham County, Illinois, built in 1951. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Lake Pauline Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Pauline Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Marguerite Purcell (private). It impounds the Trib Little Wabash River near Effingham-offstream.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 380 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 471 acre-feet. Completed in 1951, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/01/2024.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Effingham |
| Nearest City | Effingham-offstream |
| River/Stream | Trib Little Wabash River |
| Coordinates | 39.14754, -88.57154 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 380 ft |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 471 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 471 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 350 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MARGUERITE PURCELL |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 02/01/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL00964 |
| Federal ID | IL00964 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |