Schaffner Lake 1 Dam dam
Schaffner Lake 1 Dam
Schaffner Lake 1 Dam, nestled in the heart of Randolph, Illinois, is a private-owned structure that has been providing recreational opportunities for water enthusiasts since its completion in 1954. This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches 280 feet in length, creating a serene reservoir with a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering visitors a tranquil oasis for fishing, boating, and relaxation.
Despite its low hazard potential, Schaffner Lake 1 Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards for safety and maintenance. The dam, located along the tributary Plum Creek, plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, providing a reliable water source for both recreational and ecological purposes. With its picturesque setting and abundant storage capacity, Schaffner Lake 1 Dam serves as a vital asset for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
As water and climate enthusiasts explore the beauty of Schaffner Lake 1 Dam, they can appreciate the careful design and construction that went into creating this Earth-type structure. With its buttress core and state-regulated status, the dam exemplifies the importance of balancing recreational enjoyment with safety and sustainability. As visitors immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of this reservoir, they can witness firsthand the harmonious relationship between water resources and climate resilience, making Schaffner Lake 1 Dam a captivating destination for all who appreciate the wonders of nature.
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 Schaffner Lake 1 Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Kaskaskia River At New Athens | 3,250 cfs | → |
| Richland Creek Near Hecker | 21 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Chester | 283,000 cfs | → |
| Silver Creek Near Freeburg | 132 cfs | → |
| Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station | 3,230 cfs | → |
| South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville | 48 cfs | → |
About Schaffner Lake 1 Dam
Where does the data for Schaffner Lake 1 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 below 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.
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.