Small Timber Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Small Timber Lake Dam, located in Peoria, Illinois, serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This private dam, completed in 1957, stands at a height of 34 feet and stretches 320 feet in length. It holds a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 31 acre-feet, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk due to its age and condition assessment which is currently not available. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, and outlet gates enhance its functionality, providing a safe environment for visitors to enjoy the picturesque Small Timber Lake.

With its picturesque location along Trib Kickapoo Creek and under the jurisdiction of the Chicago District, Small Timber Lake Dam offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to appreciate nature while engaging in various recreational activities. The dam's rich history and structural design make it a unique and valuable asset within the Peoria community, highlighting the importance of water resource management and the preservation of natural habitats in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TRIB KICKAPOO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

34

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.