Fairwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fairwood Lake Dam, located in Lebanon, Illinois, serves as a recreational spot with stunning views of Fairwood Lake.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1969 by WEINEL CO. ENGINEERS, this private dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 370 feet in length. It holds a maximum storage capacity of 229 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres, making it a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in St. Clair County.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Fairwood Lake Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a high hazard potential due to its location on Engle Creek, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 7 feet. Although the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's risk assessment falls under a moderate rating, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures for this recreational structure.

Fairwood Lake Dam's proximity to the Engle Creek and its scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and relaxation. Its historical significance and ongoing management by the state regulatory agency underscore the importance of preserving this earth dam for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

ENGLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.57

Nid Storage

229

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.