Little Wabash River Dam
Key Takeaway
Little Wabash River Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 12.5% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 103 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 560 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 36 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 240 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,902 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2005 |
| NID ID | IL01085 |
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
CITY OF EFFINGHAM
Local Government
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Low Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Wabash River Dam?
Little Wabash River 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 Little Wabash River Dam?
Little Wabash River Dam is owned by CITY OF EFFINGHAM (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Wabash River Dam built?
Little Wabash River Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Little Wabash River Dam?
Little Wabash River 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 Little Wabash River Dam?
Little Wabash River Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Little Wabash River Dam last inspected?
Little Wabash River Dam was last inspected on October 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.