Mesa Lake Dam
Mesa Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Wabash County, Illinois, built in 1968. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Mesa Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Mesa Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Wabash County Lake Inc. (private). It impounds the Trib Jordan Creek near Browns.
The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 1,735 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,136 acre-feet. Completed in 1968, 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 06/20/2025.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Wabash |
| Nearest City | Browns |
| River/Stream | Trib Jordan Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.53111, -87.86071 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,735 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,136 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,136 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 748 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | WABASH COUNTY LAKE INC. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 06/20/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL00394 |
| Federal ID | IL00394 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |