Ramsey Lake Dam dam
Ramsey Lake Dam
Ramsey Lake Dam, located in Vandalia, Illinois, is a state-regulated earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1948, this dam stands at a height of 43 feet and has a length of 487 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 1064 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Ramsey Creek, with a drainage area of 2.3 square miles and a surface area of 47 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ramsey Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating the need for continued monitoring and management measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 92 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in April 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the risk factors associated with this structure.
With its picturesque location and recreational value, Ramsey Lake Dam serves as a vital asset for the community. As a significant water resource in Fayette County, Illinois, the dam provides opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic enjoyment. Climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of this dam in supporting the local ecosystem and water supply, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and risk management protocols.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ramsey Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Shoal Creek Near Coffeen | 18 cfs | → |
| Kaskaskia River At Vandalia | 2,210 cfs | → |
| Kaskaskia River Near Cowden | 1,780 cfs | → |
| Hurricane Creek Near Mulberry Grove | 53 cfs | → |
| Hickory Creek Nr Brownstown | 14 cfs | → |
| Robinson Creek Near Shelbyville | 48 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ramsey Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- East Main Street Shelbyville
- Beach House Trail 4292, Litchfield
- Shelbyville
- Shelby County
- County Road 175 North Fayette County
Track Ramsey Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ramsey Lake Dam
Where does the data for Ramsey Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ramsey Lake Dam.