Far Oaks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Far Oaks Lake Dam, also known as Bauers Lake, is a private dam located in Caseyville, Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1901, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 360 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on the tributary of Little Canteen Creek, the dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a spillway width of 6 feet and uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Far Oaks Lake Dam has a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, and no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been reported. Despite these uncertainties, the dam remains a popular spot for outdoor activities, offering an 18-acre surface area for recreation and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam presents an intriguing case study in the management and maintenance of private dams within the Illinois landscape.
Year Completed |
1901 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB LITTLE CANTEEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Far Oaks Lake Dam