Waddell Dam

TRIB WILLOW CREEK· Schuyler, Illinois· Built 1998· Earth· 33 ft tall
Low Hazard Debris Control Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Waddell Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 years old. Its primary use is debris control.

Physical Details

Dam Height 33 ft (taller than 71.6% in IL)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage183 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1998 (28 years old)
NID IDIL50411

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 13, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

LARRY & VIRGINIA WADDELL

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Waddell Dam?

Waddell 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 Waddell Dam?

Waddell Dam is owned by LARRY & VIRGINIA WADDELL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Waddell Dam built?

Waddell Dam was completed in 1998, making it 28 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 Waddell Dam?

Waddell Dam serves the following purposes: Debris Control, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Waddell Dam?

Waddell Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Waddell Dam last inspected?

Waddell Dam was last inspected on October 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.