Lake Louise Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Lake Louise Dam, located in Cumberland County, Illinois, is a private recreational structure that was completed in 1944.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 23 feet and with a length of 500 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of recreation and boasts a storage capacity of 141 acre-feet. Situated on Bear Creek, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Lake Louise Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 49 feet. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available," the dam is subject to regular inspections every five years. With its scenic location and historical significance, Lake Louise Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.
Overall, Lake Louise Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and outdoor recreation. With its earth dam structure and moderate risk assessment, the dam provides a balance between functionality and safety. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Lake Louise Dam becomes increasingly vital in ensuring the sustainability and safety of our water supply systems.
Year Completed |
1944 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
141 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Lake Louise Dam