Carthage Lake 1 Dam

TRIB LONG CREEK· Hancock, Illinois· Built 1924· Earth· 38 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Carthage Lake 1 Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 38 ft (taller than 80.7% in IL)
Dam Length521 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage770 acre-ft
Normal Storage508 acre-ft
Year Completed1924 (102 years old)
NID IDIL00251

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: August 11, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF CARTHAGE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carthage Lake 1 Dam?

Carthage Lake 1 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 Carthage Lake 1 Dam?

Carthage Lake 1 Dam is owned by CITY OF CARTHAGE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carthage Lake 1 Dam built?

Carthage Lake 1 Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Carthage Lake 1 Dam?

Carthage Lake 1 Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Carthage Lake 1 Dam?

Carthage Lake 1 Dam has a dam height of 38 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 Carthage Lake 1 Dam last inspected?

Carthage Lake 1 Dam was last inspected on August 11, 2020. 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.