Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 16.3% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 31,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 16.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,820 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,855 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50402 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 17 ftLittle Sister Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftDynegy/Havana Sta/East Ash Pond Dam
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High Hazard 36 ftDynegy/Havana Sta/East Ash Pond System
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High Hazard 38 ftDynegy/Havana Station/Cell 1, Polishing P
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High Hazard 26 ftDuck Creek Station Dams
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High Hazard 123 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam?
Lake Chautauqua Lower 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 Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam?
Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam built?
Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Chautauqua Lower Dam?
Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam?
Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Chautauqua Lower Dam last inspected?
Lake Chautauqua Lower Dam was last inspected on September 9, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.