Calhoun Lake Dam

TRIB FITCH LAKE· Knox, Illinois· Built 1923· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Calhoun Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 40.5% in IL)
Dam Length630 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage413 acre-ft
Normal Storage202 acre-ft
Year Completed1923 (103 years old)
NID IDIL00416

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 26, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

GALVA LAKE ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Calhoun Lake Dam?

Calhoun Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Calhoun Lake Dam?

Calhoun Lake Dam is owned by GALVA LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Calhoun Lake Dam built?

Calhoun Lake Dam was completed in 1923, making it 103 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Calhoun Lake Dam?

Calhoun Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Calhoun Lake Dam?

Calhoun Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Calhoun Lake Dam last inspected?

Calhoun Lake Dam was last inspected on April 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.