Barnes Lake Dam

Barnes Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Marshall County, Illinois, built in 1957. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About Barnes Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Barnes Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Robert Barnes, Sr. (private). It impounds the Trib Illinois River near Lacon.

The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 410 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 89 acre-feet. Completed in 1957, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 04/30/2024.

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Significant HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: No

Location

StateIllinois
CountyMarshall
Nearest CityLacon
River/StreamTrib Illinois River
Coordinates41.01788, -89.37421

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height23 ft
Dam Height23 ft
Dam Length410 ft
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage89 acre-ft
Max Storage89 acre-ft
Normal Storage37 acre-ft
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerROBERT BARNES, SR.
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Last Inspection04/30/2024
Emergency Action PlanNo

Identifiers

NID IDIL01165
Federal IDIL01165
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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