Laharpe Reservoir Dam dam
Laharpe Reservoir Dam
Laharpe Reservoir Dam, located in Hancock County, Illinois, was completed in 1949 for the primary purpose of recreation and water supply. This earthen dam, standing at a height of 15 feet and a length of 1532 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Situated on the South Branch La Moine River, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its uncontrolled spillway and significant hazard potential, Laharpe Reservoir Dam remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The dam is owned and maintained by the local government and is a crucial asset for the surrounding community. While the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the dam and the surrounding area.
Overall, Laharpe Reservoir Dam serves as a vital water resource and recreational hub in Illinois, offering a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the South Branch La Moine River. With its rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam continues to provide essential water supply and leisure opportunities for residents and tourists alike. As climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the importance of maintaining and protecting dams like Laharpe Reservoir to ensure sustainable water management and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
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 Laharpe Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| La Moine River At Colmar | 231 cfs | → |
| Skunk River At Augusta | 2,390 cfs | → |
| Henderson Creek Near Oquawka | 261 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At St. Francisville | 9,900 cfs | → |
| Spoon River At Seville | 811 cfs | → |
| Fox River At Wayland | 158 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Laharpe Reservoir Dam.
Boat launches
- Argyle Park Road Mcdonough County
- High Street Burlington
- Schuyler Street Oquawka
- Des Moines County
- Diversion Channel Des Moines County
- Putney's Landing Access Road Henderson County
Track Laharpe Reservoir Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Laharpe Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for Laharpe Reservoir 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 Significant 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Laharpe Reservoir Dam.