Briarwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shaw Lake Dam Owens Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Briarwood Lake Dam, located in Macoupin, Illinois, serves as a crucial recreational resource while also helping to manage water levels on the TRIB WEST FORK WOOD RIVER.
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Summary
This private structure stands at 30 feet high and stretches 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. With a surface area of 25 acres, the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Maintained and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Briarwood Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment level. The dam's condition and emergency preparedness are regularly monitored, with inspections occurring every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. While the exact year of completion is unknown, the dam continues to play a vital role in water management and recreation in the area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Briarwood Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure situated in a picturesque location. With its earth buttress design and uncontrolled spillway, the dam represents a harmonious blend of human engineering and natural beauty. As a key feature in the local landscape, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and the preservation of natural resources in Illinois.
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB WEST FORK WOOD RIVER |
Surface Area |
25 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Briarwood Lake Dam