Coffeen Lake Dam

MC DAVID BRANCH, SHOAL CREEK· Montgomery, Illinois· Built 1964· Earth· 70 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Coffeen Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 70 ft (taller than 97.3% in IL)
Dam Length1,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage35.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage22.0K acre-ft
Surface Area1,096 acres
Drainage Area19 sq mi
Max Discharge8,430 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDIL00135

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: Yes
Last Inspection: November 16, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

DYNEGY MIDWEST GENERATION, INC.

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Coffeen Lake Dam?

Coffeen Lake 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 Coffeen Lake Dam?

Coffeen Lake Dam is owned by DYNEGY MIDWEST GENERATION, INC. (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Coffeen Lake Dam built?

Coffeen Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Coffeen Lake Dam?

Coffeen Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Coffeen Lake Dam?

Coffeen Lake Dam has a dam height of 70 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 Coffeen Lake Dam last inspected?

Coffeen Lake Dam was last inspected on November 16, 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.