Schwebel Brothers Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Schwebel Brothers Dam, also known as Schwebel Lake, is a privately owned dam located in St.


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Summary

Clair County, Illinois. Built in 1919 by designers Ralph & Herman, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 726 feet in length. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 53 acre-feet. Situated on the Tributary of Kaskaskia River, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state guidelines.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Schwebel Brothers Dam is considered to have a high risk level, requiring attention to risk management measures. The dam does not have a spillway and is not equipped with outlet gates. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam undergoes inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in April 2019. Although there are no associated structures or locks, the dam serves as a recreational area for the New Athens community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Overall, Schwebel Brothers Dam stands as a historic landmark in the region, providing both leisure and regulatory functions for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

726

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TRIB KASKASKIA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

70

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.