Lake Charleston Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Charleston Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 29 ft (taller than 58.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 4,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 150 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
| NID ID | IL01240 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF CHARLESTON
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Charleston Dam?
Lake Charleston 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 Charleston Dam?
Lake Charleston Dam is owned by CITY OF CHARLESTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Charleston Dam built?
Lake Charleston Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 Charleston Dam?
Lake Charleston Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Charleston Dam?
Lake Charleston Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Charleston Dam last inspected?
Lake Charleston Dam was last inspected on September 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.