Otter Lake Low Flow Dam dam
Otter Lake Low Flow Dam
The Otter Lake Low Flow Dam is a vital structure located in Hagaman, Illinois, along Otter Creek. Built in 2008 by HURST-ROSCHE ENGINEERS, INC., this rockfill dam stands at a height of 6.3 feet and serves the primary purpose of debris control. With a storage capacity of 217 acre-feet and a drainage area of 10.8 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding environment.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2087 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 317 feet, the dam is equipped to handle extreme weather events and prevent flooding downstream. Its moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the community and the environment.
As a key component of the local water management system, the Otter Lake Low Flow Dam not only provides essential debris control but also contributes to the overall resilience of the region against the impacts of climate change. With a focus on sustainable water resource management, this dam serves as a model for effective infrastructure planning and maintenance in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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 Otter Lake Low Flow Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Sangamon River Nr Rochester | 742 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek At Springfield | 176 cfs | → |
| Macoupin Creek Near Kane | 1,180 cfs | → |
| Sangamon River At Riverton | 1,760 cfs | → |
| East Fork Shoal Creek Near Coffeen | 18 cfs | → |
| Sangamon River At Petersburg | 2,120 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Otter Lake Low Flow Dam.
Boat launches
- Waverly Lake Road Morgan County
- Island Bay Lane Springfield
- Beach House Trail 4292, Litchfield
- East Lake Shore Drive 182, Springfield
- Christian County
Track Otter Lake Low Flow 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 Otter Lake Low Flow Dam
Where does the data for Otter Lake Low Flow 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 Otter Lake Low Flow Dam.