Flamms Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Flamms Lake Dam, located in Cypress, Illinois, is a privately-owned structure designed by Borgsmiller Engineering, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 29 feet and spanning 870 feet in length, boasts a storage capacity of 221.2 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17.1 acres. Situated on the tributary Cypress Creek, the dam serves as a recreational spot for water enthusiasts in the Union County area.

Maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Flamms Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk rating, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a last inspection date in September 2020, the dam is subject to regular monitoring and assessment to safeguard against any potential risks or hazards that may arise.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Flamms Lake Dam for its role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as a vital water management structure in the area. With its earth core and stone foundations, the dam symbolizes the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship, showcasing the delicate balance between human needs and nature's resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.

Dam Length

870

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TRIB CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.1

Drainage Area

0.67

Nid Storage

221.2

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.