Camp Bunn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Camp Bunn Lake Dam, also known as Freesen Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in Macoupin, Illinois, near the city of Hettick.


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Summary

Built in 1974 by Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, this dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a length of 550 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, providing a serene environment for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Camp Bunn Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety measures to ensure the protection of its surrounding community. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this dam poses minimal threat but is still closely monitored for any necessary risk management measures. Although the condition assessment of the dam is currently unavailable, the last inspection in 2014 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition, meeting guidelines for emergency action planning and inundation mapping.

Situated on the Prairie Branch stream, Camp Bunn Lake Dam is a vital water resource in the area, providing a surface area of 78 acres and serving a drainage area of 4.2 square miles. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1186 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and preserving the natural ecosystem of the region. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the environmental significance and recreational opportunities offered by Camp Bunn Lake Dam, making it a valuable asset in the community.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

PRAIRIE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

78

Drainage Area

4.2

Nid Storage

1500

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.