Chautauqua Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Chautauqua Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 35 ft (taller than 76.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 560 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 805 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 360 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 138 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 911 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00104 |
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
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOC.
Private
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Significant Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chautauqua Lake Dam?
Chautauqua 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 Chautauqua Lake Dam?
Chautauqua Lake Dam is owned by CHAUTAUQUA LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chautauqua Lake Dam built?
Chautauqua Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Chautauqua Lake Dam?
Chautauqua 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 Chautauqua Lake Dam?
Chautauqua Lake Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Chautauqua Lake Dam last inspected?
Chautauqua Lake Dam was last inspected on September 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.