Boettcher Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Boettcher Lake Dam, located in Madison County, Illinois, stands as a vital structure for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 2003, this earth dam with a buttress core type boasts a height of 30 feet and a length of 240 feet, providing a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. Although designated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential, Boettcher Lake Dam remains under moderate risk, with a five-year inspection frequency. The dam's spillway, designed as uncontrolled with a width of 0 feet, serves as a critical safety feature. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are yet to be determined.
With its strategic location along the tributary Sherry Creek, Boettcher Lake Dam's significance transcends its recreational purpose. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about this dam's operational and safety aspects is essential to ensure its continued functionality and the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SHERRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Boettcher Lake Dam