Chautauqua Lake Dam, located in Murphysboro, Illinois, is a private dam designed by Blankenship & Assoc.
Wind
Humidity
and completed in 1965. Its primary purpose is for recreation, with a dam height of 35 feet and a length of 560 feet. The dam holds a storage capacity of 805 acre-feet and has a surface area of 138 acres, making it a significant water resource for the area.
The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a high hazard potential due to its location on the Trib Mud Creek. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 62 feet, and the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Despite its age, the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available," with the last inspection conducted in September 2020.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chautauqua Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam with a focus on recreation. Its location in Jackson County, Illinois, and its importance for water storage and flood control make it a key component of the local ecosystem. The dam's history, design features, and ongoing regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the intersection of natural resource management and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB MUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
138 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
805 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Murphysboro State Park
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Turkey Bayou
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Little Grassy Campground & Marina
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Horse Campground
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Devil's Kitchen Campground
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