Le Baube Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Located in Mackinaw, Illinois, the Le Baube Lake Dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreation.


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Summary

This private dam, completed in 1970, stands at a height of 38 feet with a length of 415 feet, offering a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet. The dam's primary design is earth-based with a buttress core type, supporting a spillway width of 104 feet for uncontrolled water release.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Le Baube Lake Dam is inspected every five years to ensure its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment (rating of 3). The dam's location on the Mackinaw River Offstream provides essential water resources for the region while also offering opportunities for recreational activities. With its strategic design and functional features, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Tazewell County, Illinois.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the Le Baube Lake Dam's contribution to the local ecosystem and water supply infrastructure. As a key structure for fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreational use, this earth-based dam showcases the importance of sustainable water management practices. With its regulated maintenance and inspection processes, the Le Baube Lake Dam exemplifies responsible stewardship of water resources in the region, supporting both human and environmental needs for years to come.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

MACKINAW RIVER-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

127

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.