Crab Orchard Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crab Orchard Dam, located in Carbondale, Illinois, is a federally owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

Completed in 1939, this earth dam stands at 57 feet in height and serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond for the preservation of local ecosystems and recreational activities. With a storage capacity of 254,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 199.9 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam underwent several modifications in 1980, 1991, and 2010 to enhance its hydraulic and structural integrity. It features outlet gates for controlled water release and a spillway width of 1361 feet. Despite its high hazard potential, Crab Orchard Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of September 2020. The dam is subject to regular inspections and maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure its safety and functionality for both wildlife conservation and public recreation purposes.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting Crab Orchard Dam can appreciate its significance in maintaining a balance between ecological preservation and recreational activities. With its strategic location on Crab Orchard Creek and close proximity to Carbondale, the dam serves as a vital water management infrastructure in Williamson County, Illinois. Its history of construction, ongoing maintenance, and impact on the local environment make Crab Orchard Dam a compelling site for those interested in the intersection of water resources and wildlife conservation efforts.

Years Modified

1980 - Hydraulic, 1980 - Structural, 1991 - Hydraulic, 1991 - Other, 2010 - Other

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

3800

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

CRAB ORCHARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6950

Hydraulic Height

54

Drainage Area

199.9

Nid Storage

254000

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

65
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.