Freesen Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Freesen Lake Dam, located in Florence, Illinois, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 480 feet. With a storage capacity of 203 acre-feet and a spillway width of 59 feet, the dam is designed to manage the waters of Plum Creek-Offstream effectively.
Managed and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Freesen Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment, but regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently not available, indicating a need for continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.
Overall, Freesen Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Scott County, Illinois, providing essential services while warranting ongoing oversight and maintenance to uphold its functionality and safeguard against potential emergencies. For enthusiasts of water resources and climate, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems and the importance of sustainable management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
PLUM CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
203 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Illinois River At Valley City
|
4670cfs |
Bay Creek At Pittsfield
|
43cfs |
La Moine River At Ripley
|
23cfs |
Macoupin Creek Near Kane
|
20cfs |
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
582cfs |
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
199cfs |
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.
Freesen Lake Dam