Kepler Lake Dam dam
Kepler Lake Dam
Kepler Lake Dam, located in Stark County, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 primarily for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 25 feet and spanning 230 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 38 acre-feet. Situated along the tributary of Walnut Creek, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Kepler Lake Dam is deemed to pose minimal risk to downstream communities in case of a breach. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not available, highlighting a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness and response should the need arise. Overall, Kepler Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational asset in the region while also being closely monitored for safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Managed by private owners, Kepler Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy. Its location in the city of Elmore, Illinois, makes it easily accessible for visitors seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking around the scenic lake. With its tranquil surroundings and well-maintained facilities, Kepler Lake Dam remains a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Stark County.
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 Kepler Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek Near Wyoming | 22 cfs | → |
| Spoon River At London Mills | 473 cfs | → |
| Edwards River Near Orion | 66 cfs | → |
| Fondulac Creek Near East Peoria | 0 cfs | → |
| Illinois River At Kingston Mines | 11,700 cfs | → |
| Farm Creek At Farmdale | 11 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Kepler Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Gatewood Lane Galesburg
- West Pine Street 1, Chillicothe
- Sebree Road Fulton County
- Lakeland Park Road 26005, Canton
- Mendenhall Park
Track Kepler 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 Kepler Lake Dam
Where does the data for Kepler 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 Kepler Lake Dam.