Mesa Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Mesa Lake Dam in Wabash, Illinois, stands as a vital structure for recreation, completed in 1968 by LAMAC Engineering Co.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 1735 feet, holds a storage capacity of 1136 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area. Situated on the TRIB Jordan Creek, the dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.
With its primary purpose being recreation, Mesa Lake Dam offers a serene environment for water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various activities like boating and fishing. The hazard potential is deemed significant, prompting a moderate risk assessment, indicating the need for vigilant monitoring and management measures to ensure public safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, while its condition assessment and emergency action plan status are not available, suggesting a potential area for improvement in terms of safety and preparedness.
The location of Mesa Lake Dam in Browns, Illinois, within the Louisville District, showcases its importance as a water resource for the region. Despite its condition assessment being unavailable, the dam's role in providing recreational opportunities and its regulatory oversight by the state highlight its significance in both water management and public safety. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mesa Lake Dam stands as a symbol of the delicate balance between recreation and risk management in the realm of dam infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
1735 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB JORDAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
1136 |
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.
Mesa Lake Dam