Tower Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Tower Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 61 ft (taller than 95.9% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 65 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 973 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00185 |
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
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake 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 Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake Dam is owned by SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tower Lake Dam built?
Tower Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake Dam has a dam height of 61 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 Tower Lake Dam last inspected?
Tower Lake Dam was last inspected on September 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.