Meshach Lake Dam dam
Meshach Lake Dam
Meshach Lake Dam, also known as Royal Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Macoupin County, Illinois. Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 232 feet, providing a storage capacity of 121 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on the TRIB COOP BRANCH river, the dam boasts an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 15 feet, ensuring a maximum discharge of 90 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Meshach Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment and its emergency action plan status is not available. With a history of state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, the dam continues to provide essential recreational water resources for the local community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the unique design and function of this dam as it contributes to the conservation and enjoyment of Meshach Lake.
As an integral part of the St. Louis District's water infrastructure, Meshach Lake Dam remains a key feature in the region's water management system. With a surface area of 9 acres and a drainage area of 0.25 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and ensuring safe recreational activities for visitors. The dam's location in the beautiful city of Hardin adds to its appeal, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Meshach Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek At Wanda | 14 cfs | → |
| Cahokia Creek At Edwardsville | 68 cfs | → |
| Macoupin Creek Near Kane | 1,060 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Near Florissant | 1 cfs | → |
| Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack | 11 cfs | → |
| Judys Branch At Rte 157 At Glen Carbon | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Meshach Lake Dam.
Track Meshach Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Meshach Lake Dam
Where does the data for Meshach Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Meshach Lake Dam.