Lake Bloomington Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Lake Bloomington Dam, located in McLean, Illinois, is a significant earth dam with a height of 51 feet and a length of 1000 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1930, the dam serves multiple purposes, including recreation and water supply, with a storage capacity of 17,806 acre-feet. The dam impounds Money Creek, creating a surface area of 635 acres and draining an area of 69.5 square miles.
Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a spillway width of 400 feet and a maximum discharge of 48,147 cubic feet per second, Lake Bloomington Dam poses a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 2016, reflecting a commitment to preparedness and risk management.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Bloomington Dam offers a fascinating study in dam engineering and management. Its historical significance, dual-purpose functionality, and risk profile make it a noteworthy structure within the Rock Island District. As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, the dam underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and emergency planning in safeguarding both recreational opportunities and water supply reliability in the region.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
51 |
River Or Stream |
MONEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
635 |
Drainage Area |
69.5 |
Nid Storage |
17806 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
51 |
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.
Lake Bloomington Dam