Lake Carlton Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Carlton Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 | 41 ft (taller than 84.9% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,030 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 803 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 77 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,538 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00560 |
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
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Carlton Dam?
Lake Carlton 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 Lake Carlton Dam?
Lake Carlton Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Carlton Dam built?
Lake Carlton Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Lake Carlton Dam?
Lake Carlton 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 Lake Carlton Dam?
Lake Carlton Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Lake Carlton Dam last inspected?
Lake Carlton Dam was last inspected on August 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.