Candlewick Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Candlewick Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 39 ft (taller than 82.3% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,860 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 210 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,122 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| NID ID | IL01174 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CANDLEWICK LAKE ASSOCIATION
Private
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Candlewick Lake Dam?
Candlewick Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Candlewick Lake Dam?
Candlewick Lake Dam is owned by CANDLEWICK LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Candlewick Lake Dam built?
Candlewick Lake Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Candlewick Lake Dam?
Candlewick 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 Candlewick Lake Dam?
Candlewick Lake Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Candlewick Lake Dam last inspected?
Candlewick Lake Dam was last inspected on September 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.