Kays Lake Dam

TRIB CACHE RIVER· Pulaski, Illinois· Built 1954· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Kays Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 20.3% in IL)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage77 acre-ft
Normal Storage52 acre-ft
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDIL00053

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 28, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

VIRGINIA HUMPHREY

Private

Nearby Dams

Cervantes Lake Dam

Pulaski, IL

Low Hazard 23 ft

Horseshoe Lake Dam

Alexander, IL

Low Hazard 10 ft

Central Alexander County Sewage Treatment Pond Dam

Alexander, IL

Low Hazard 7 ft

Dann Kraatz Dam

Alexander, IL

High Hazard 20 ft

Olmsted Locks and Dam

Ballard, IL

Significant Hazard 49 ft

William L Shadoan Dam

Ballard, KY

Low Hazard 43 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kays Lake Dam?

Kays Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Kays Lake Dam?

Kays Lake Dam is owned by VIRGINIA HUMPHREY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kays Lake Dam built?

Kays Lake Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Kays Lake Dam?

Kays Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kays Lake Dam?

Kays Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Kays Lake Dam last inspected?

Kays Lake Dam was last inspected on July 28, 2015. 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.