Argyle Lake Dam, located in Colchester, Illinois, was completed in 1949 and serves multiple purposes, including recreation and water supply.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 58 feet and stretches 670 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4,040 acre-feet and a drainage area of 623 square miles. It is situated along the East Fork La Moine River and is owned by the state, regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 85 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 13,580 cubic feet per second. With a significant hazard potential, the dam undergoes inspections every three years, with the last assessment conducted in July 2018. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a moderate risk level.
Argyle Lake Dam, designed by Cassler Stapleton & Mead and Hunt, is an essential component of the water infrastructure in McDonough County, Illinois. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the dam's engineering and management details fascinating, as it plays a vital role in maintaining water levels for both recreational activities and local water supply needs. The dam's location, design, and operational features make it a notable structure in the region, contributing to the overall water management efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
670 |
Dam Height |
58 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FORK LA MOINE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
114 |
Drainage Area |
623 |
Nid Storage |
4040 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
58 |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
161cfs |
La Moine River At Ripley
|
33cfs |
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
477cfs |
Bear Creek Near Marcelline
|
5cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Oaks Campground
|
||
Twisted Oak Campground
|
||
Argyle Lake State Park
|
||
Twin Oaks Campground
|
||
Primitive South Campground
|
||
Primitive North Campground
|