Farmdale Dam

FARM CREEK· Tazewell, Illinois· Built 1951· Gravity· 90 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Farmdale Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 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 90 ft (taller than 99% in IL)
Dam Length1,275 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage15.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area26 sq mi
Max Discharge69,950 cfs
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDIL00005

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 22, 2020
State Regulated: Yes

Ownership

USACE - Rock Island District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Farmdale Dam?

Farmdale 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 Farmdale Dam?

Farmdale Dam is owned by USACE - Rock Island District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Farmdale Dam built?

Farmdale Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Farmdale Dam?

Farmdale Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Farmdale Dam?

Farmdale Dam has a dam height of 90 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 Farmdale Dam last inspected?

Farmdale Dam was last inspected on June 22, 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.