Lester Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cartter Pond Dam Donoho Pond Dam 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lester Lake Dam, located in Marion, Illinois, was completed in 1935 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 26 feet and a length of 420 feet, the earth dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 196 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 396 feet, allowing for the release of excess water.
Managed by a private owner, Lester Lake Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to moderate risk, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of 3. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lester Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Illinois. Its historical significance, design characteristics, and regulatory framework provide valuable insights into the management of dams for both recreational and water resource purposes. As climate change continues to impact water systems, understanding the role of dams like Lester Lake in mitigating risks and enhancing water management practices becomes increasingly important.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB PAINTROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
196 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Lester Lake Dam