Caraness Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Caraness Lake Dam, located in Leisure City, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed by Bob Mintan and completed in 1959.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 37 feet and a length of 370 feet, primarily serves the purpose of recreation, providing a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is subject to state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safe operation.

Situated on Hicks Branch tributary, Caraness Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are also not specified. Despite these gaps, the dam has not been modified in recent years and features uncontrolled spillways and outlets, contributing to its recreational function in the region.

With a notable historical and structural significance, Caraness Lake Dam stands as a key feature in the water resource management of Hardin County, Illinois. Its association with the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its importance in the local landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and potential challenges that require continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TRIB HICKS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

94

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.