Freeman/ /east Lake Dam
Freeman/ /east Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Illinois, built in 1961. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Freeman/ /east Lake Dam
Freeman/ /east Lake Dam is a dam in Jefferson, Illinois. The dam is owned by Freeman United Coal Mining Company (private). It impounds the Trib Buck Creek near Waltonville.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 680 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 369 acre-feet. Completed in 1961, 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 05/27/2025.
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Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Waltonville |
| River/Stream | Trib Buck Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.19333, -89.04733 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 680 ft |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 369 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 369 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 204 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | FREEMAN UNITED COAL MINING COMPANY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 05/27/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL00168 |
| Federal ID | IL00168 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |