Lake Richard Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith Lake Dam Holland Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Lake Richard Dam is a privately owned structure located in Lockhaven, Illinois, along the TRIB PIASA CREEK.
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Summary
Designed by RAPPS ENGINEERING, this earth dam stands at a height of 39.5 feet and stretches 1870 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 239 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 18 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Richard Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 84 feet, and a moderate risk assessment has been assigned to the structure. Emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan, are currently not available, indicating a potential area for improvement in risk management. Overall, Lake Richard Dam presents an intriguing site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and monitor for its recreational and environmental significance.
Dam Length |
1870 |
Dam Height |
39.5 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB PIASA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
239 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lake Richard Dam