Carlyle Dam
Key Takeaway
Carlyle Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 68 ft (taller than 97% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 6,570 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.3M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 233.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24,580 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,717 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 160,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00113 |
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
USACE - St. Louis District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Carlyle Dam?
Carlyle 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 Carlyle Dam?
Carlyle Dam is owned by USACE - St. Louis District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Carlyle Dam built?
Carlyle Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Carlyle Dam?
Carlyle Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Carlyle Dam?
Carlyle Dam has a dam height of 68 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 Carlyle Dam last inspected?
Carlyle Dam was last inspected on August 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.