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Marys Lake Dam, located in Libertyville, Illinois, is a privately owned gravity dam with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1921, this historic dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 389 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 966 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Bull Creek and is regulated by 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 51 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 320 cubic feet per second, St. Marys Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as not available, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance. An emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared, last revised in January 2021, and the dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate. While the dam meets state guidelines for its EAP and inundation maps, there is room for improvement in risk management measures and overall risk characterization.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, St. Marys Lake Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and engineering of early 20th-century dam construction. Its location in Lake County, Illinois, surrounded by scenic landscape and recreational opportunities, adds to its allure. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital infrastructure, the preservation of St. Marys Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1921 |
Dam Length |
389 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BULL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
96 |
Drainage Area |
3.4 |
Nid Storage |
966 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |