Ravenel Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ravenel Lake Dam in St.


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Summary

Clair, Illinois, stands as a private structure nestled within the Village of Swansea. Constructed in 2003 by THOUVENOT, WADE & MOERCHEN, INC., this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a height of 13.5 feet and a length of 360 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.86 acres, surrounded by a drainage area of 0.15 square miles.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Ravenel Lake Dam exhibits a high hazard potential despite its moderate risk assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 88 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 533 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, routine inspections are conducted with a frequency of one year to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam. Although emergency action plans and inundation maps are not readily available, the dam remains a vital component of the local landscape, offering a haven for outdoor recreation and conservation efforts within the community.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

13.5

River Or Stream

TRIB RICHLAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.86

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

34

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.