Spring Arbor Lake Dam dam
Spring Arbor Lake Dam
Spring Arbor Lake Dam, located in DeSoto, Illinois, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes. This Earth dam, with a height of 55 feet and a length of 650 feet, was completed in 1972 and sits on Sycamore Creek. It has a normal storage capacity of 1638 acre-feet and a surface area of 87 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the area.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. Emergency action plans were last revised in 1987, and the dam meets guidelines for risk management measures. With a history of moderate risk and a focus on recreation, Spring Arbor Lake Dam continues to be a vital resource for water enthusiasts and climate advocates in the region.
With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Spring Arbor Lake Dam offers a valuable space for outdoor enjoyment while also being subject to stringent state regulations and inspections for safety. As climate change impacts water resources, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure for managing water flow on Sycamore Creek and providing a haven for wildlife and visitors alike. As stakeholders work to balance recreation with safety and environmental concerns, Spring Arbor Lake Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Jackson County, Illinois.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Spring Arbor Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Muddy River At Rte 127 At Murphysboro | 6,090 cfs | → |
| Crab Orchard Creek Near Marion | 4 cfs | → |
| Big Muddy River At Plumfield | 516 cfs | → |
| Cache River At Forman | 3,860 cfs | → |
| South Fork Saline River Nr Carrier Mills | 942 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Thebes | 338,000 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Spring Arbor Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Spring Arbor Lake Dam
Where does the data for Spring Arbor Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.