Acid Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Acid Lake Dam, located in Depler Springs, Illinois, is a crucial earth dam constructed in 1950 with a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply.
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Summary
Designed by Frank Gaweda, this dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 600 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 268 acre-feet. The dam serves as a barrier on the TRIB BIG CREEK-OFFSTREAM, with a spillway width of 2 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type.
Managed by a public utility, Acid Lake Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk due to its location and condition assessment not being available. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a surface area of 17 acres, the dam plays a vital role in controlling water flow and providing essential water resources to the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Acid Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this earth dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the Fulton County region of Illinois. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of dams like Acid Lake in managing water flow and mitigating risk becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB BIG CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
268 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spoon River At Seville
|
161cfs |
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
Illinois River At Kingston Mines
|
5290cfs |
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
356cfs |
Mackinaw River Near Green Valley
|
40cfs |
Salt Creek Near Greenview
|
159cfs |
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.
Acid Lake Dam