Timberlake Farms Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Timberlake Farms Lake Dam, located in Fairmont, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 240 feet, providing a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is state-regulated and inspected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Situated along the Trib Salt Fork River, Timberlake Farms Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for fire protection and recreational activities in the area. Although the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it has not undergone recent condition assessments. Despite this, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are not available, highlighting the need for proactive monitoring and preparation in case of emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Timberlake Farms Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight. As efforts to address climate change and ensure the resilience of water infrastructure continue to be a priority, understanding the management and maintenance of dams like Timberlake Farms Lake Dam is essential for sustainable water resource management and community safety.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TRIB SALT FORK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

90

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.