Fools Lake Dam dam
Fools Lake Dam
Fools Lake Dam, located in Matherville, Illinois, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1960 by designer Joe Lemon, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 473 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 46 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential, Fools Lake Dam poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 14 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in July 2015, with an inspection frequency of five years. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. Overall, Fools Lake Dam serves as an important recreational structure in Mercer County, Illinois, and is closely monitored by state regulatory agencies.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Fools Lake Dam an intriguing structure, with its unique design and recreational purposes. Situated on the tributary of Pope Creek, this dam provides not only leisure activities but also a vital water source for the surrounding area. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, Fools Lake Dam continues to be a focal point for water management and conservation efforts in Illinois.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Fools Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pope Creek Near Keithsburg | 108 cfs | → |
| Edwards River Near New Boston | 232 cfs | → |
| Henderson Creek Near Oquawka | 281 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Milan | 34 cfs | → |
| Edwards River Near Orion | 66 cfs | → |
| Iowa River At Wapello | 9,290 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Fools Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- 4th Street 201, Keithsburg
- 20th Street 1000, Louisa County
- Public Boat Ramp Rock Island County
- Prairie Street 5898, Louisa County
- Prairie Street 5882, Louisa County
- Putney's Landing Access Road Henderson County
Track Fools Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Fools Lake Dam
Where does the data for Fools Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Fools Lake Dam.