Lake Arispie Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Lake Arispie Dam, located in Bureau, Illinois, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1966 by Spring Lake Development Co., this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 3390 feet. With a storage capacity of 264 acre-feet, this dam serves as a recreational spot for water enthusiasts while also providing water supply for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Lake Arispie Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam poses a significant hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the condition assessment is not available, regular inspections are conducted every three years to monitor its safety and integrity, with the last inspection dating back to May 2019.
Situated along Big Bureau Creek, Lake Arispie Dam is a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in Illinois. With its uncontrolled spillway and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water supply and providing recreational opportunities for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and management of structures like Lake Arispie Dam become increasingly important to ensure the sustainability and resilience of water systems in the region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
3390 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BUREAU CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
264 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
East Bureau Creek Near Bureau
|
2cfs |
Big Bureau Creek At Princeton
|
8cfs |
Illinois River At Henry
|
3410cfs |
Vermilion River Near Leonore
|
17cfs |
Indian Creek Near Wyoming
|
3cfs |
Fox River At Dayton
|
672cfs |
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 Arispie Dam