Shelbyville Dam
Key Takeaway
Shelbyville Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 108 ft (taller than 99.4% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 3,025 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 207.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11,100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,054 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 162,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00118 |
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
USACE - St. Louis District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Shelbyville Dam?
Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville Dam?
Shelbyville Dam is owned by USACE - St. Louis District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Shelbyville Dam built?
Shelbyville Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Shelbyville Dam?
Shelbyville Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Shelbyville Dam?
Shelbyville Dam has a dam height of 108 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 Shelbyville Dam last inspected?
Shelbyville Dam was last inspected on May 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.