Hawthorne Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Jaycee Dam Lake Normandy Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hawthorne Hills Lake Dam, located in Plumfield, Illinois, is a privately owned structure with its primary purpose being recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 483 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 266 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TRIB CASEY FORK river and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.
With a spillway width of 85 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates, Hawthorne Hills Lake Dam has a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. This dam holds a special allure for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the intricate balance between human recreation and environmental conservation efforts in the Jefferson County area.
As water enthusiasts and climate advocates delve into the intricacies of Hawthorne Hills Lake Dam, its unique design features such as buttress core types and uncontrolled spillways present a fascinating study in dam engineering. The dam's proximity to the TRIB CASEY FORK river adds to its ecological significance, making it a focal point for discussions on water conservation and management. With a history dating back to the late 1960s, this privately owned dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in shaping our relationship with water resources and the environment.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
483 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB CASEY FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
266 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Hawthorne Hills Lake Dam