Lake Centralia Dam

MARTIN BRANCH· Marion, Illinois· Built 1911· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Centralia Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 66.2% in IL)
Dam Length720 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.8K acre-ft
Surface Area300 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge5,183 cfs
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDIL00239

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: August 8, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF CENTRALIA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Centralia Dam?

Lake Centralia 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 Lake Centralia Dam?

Lake Centralia Dam is owned by CITY OF CENTRALIA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Centralia Dam built?

Lake Centralia Dam was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Centralia Dam?

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

How tall is Lake Centralia Dam?

Lake Centralia Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Centralia Dam last inspected?

Lake Centralia Dam was last inspected on August 8, 2019. 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.