St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 23 ft (taller than 37.7% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 715 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 314 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 132 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00631 |
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 SAINT ELMO
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam?
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir 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 St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam?
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF SAINT ELMO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam built?
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam?
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam?
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 23 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 St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam last inspected?
St. Elmo Old City Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.