Upper Columbia Quarry Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
Upper Columbia Quarry Lake Dam, located in Macoupin, Illinois, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its completion in 1900.
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Summary
This private dam, also known as Columbia Quarry Lake, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. Standing at 18 feet tall and spanning 325 feet in length, it holds a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 58 acre-feet.
Managed and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam boasts a low hazard potential and has been inspected as recently as July 2019. The spillway, with a width of 81 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a natural flow of water from the dam. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is marked as not available, highlighting the need for further evaluation to ensure its long-term structural integrity.
With its picturesque location near TRIB BEAR CREEK and maintained by private ownership, Upper Columbia Quarry Lake Dam offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy recreational activities. The dam's historical significance combined with its moderate risk assessment rating make it a notable site for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Upper Columbia Quarry Lake Dam