Courtoise Lane Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jones Lake Dam Shipman Reservoir Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Courtoise Lane Dam, located in Bethalto, Illinois, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam, standing at 34 feet high and stretching 300 feet in length, was primarily designed for recreational purposes along the TRIB Girder Branch stream. With a storage capacity of 121 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.6 acres, the dam serves as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment score of 3 and undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The spillway width of 24 feet allows for controlled water discharge, with a maximum capacity of 25 cubic feet per second. The dam does not have outlet gates and has not been modified in recent years. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Courtoise Lane Dam offers a unique recreational spot within Macoupin County, Illinois. Its serene location and modest size make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water bodies. This privately owned dam, regulated by state authorities, presents an opportunity to appreciate the balance between water resource management and recreational enjoyment in a picturesque setting.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB GIRDER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
121 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Courtoise Lane Dam