Raccoon Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Raccoon Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 29 ft (taller than 58.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 730 acres |
| Drainage Area | 49 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,471 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00242 |
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
CITY OF CENTRALIA
Local Government
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Raccoon Lake Dam?
Raccoon Lake 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 Raccoon Lake Dam?
Raccoon Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF CENTRALIA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Raccoon Lake Dam built?
Raccoon Lake Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Raccoon Lake Dam?
Raccoon Lake 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 Raccoon Lake Dam?
Raccoon Lake 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 Raccoon Lake Dam last inspected?
Raccoon Lake Dam was last inspected on August 8, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.