Cedar Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Cedar 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 | 74 ft (taller than 97.6% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,690 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 49.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,750 acres |
| Drainage Area | 30 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,234 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2015 |
| NID ID | IL00033 |
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
CITY OF CARBONDALE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Kaibab Partners Dam
Jackson, IL
Low Hazard 26 ftLittle Cedar
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Low Hazard 30 ftDeer Lake Dam
Jackson, IL
High Hazard 10 ftChautauqua Lake Dam
Jackson, IL
High Hazard 35 ftStone Creek Golf Club Lake Dam
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High Hazard 43 ftCarbondale Reservoir Dam
Jackson, IL
High Hazard 33 ftCampus Lake Dam
Jackson, IL
Significant Hazard 20 ftAlto Pass Reservoir Dam
Union, IL
High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cedar Lake Dam?
Cedar 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 Cedar Lake Dam?
Cedar Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF CARBONDALE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cedar Lake Dam built?
Cedar 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 Cedar Lake Dam?
Cedar Lake 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 Cedar Lake Dam?
Cedar Lake Dam has a dam height of 74 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 Cedar Lake Dam last inspected?
Cedar Lake Dam was last inspected on September 14, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.