Bails Timberline Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Nellie Dam Feller Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bails Timberline Lake Dam, located in Fayette County, Illinois, stands as a testament to the collaboration between private ownership and the USDA NRCS in creating a recreational haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
Completed in 1966, this earth dam with a height of 33 feet and a length of 300 feet, provides a storage capacity of 197 acre-feet and a normal storage of 153 acre-feet. The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, serves as a vital structure on the Bricky Branch-Offstream, offering not only recreational opportunities but also contributing to water resource management in the region.
Managed and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Bails Timberline Lake Dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating demonstrate its sturdy infrastructure and commitment to safety. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam ensures efficient water discharge while maintaining a secure environment for visitors. Despite its last inspection in 2015, which deemed its condition assessment as not available, the dam continues to operate under the guidance of state regulators, ensuring its integrity and functionality for the years to come. As a hub for outdoor activities and a vital component of the local water infrastructure, Bails Timberline Lake Dam serves as a beacon for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
BRICKYARD BRANCH-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
197 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Bails Timberline Lake Dam