Located in Chester, Illinois, the Jerry F.
Wind
Humidity
Costello Lock and Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1974, this concrete gravity dam stands at 66 feet high and spans 603 feet in length, with a primary purpose of facilitating navigation along the Kaskaskia River. With a storage capacity of 25,246 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 62,000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and preventing flooding in the region.
Despite its importance in water resource management, the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam poses a significant hazard potential, as assessed by the USACE. However, the agency actively implements risk management measures to ensure the structural integrity of the dam and mitigate flood risks. This includes continuous monitoring, prioritizing maintenance activities, and collaborating with local emergency managers to develop emergency action plans and evacuation procedures. As climate change brings more extreme weather events, the dam's role in water management becomes increasingly critical, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
603 |
Dam Height |
66 |
River Or Stream |
KASKASKIA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
2618 |
Length Of Locks |
600 |
Hydraulic Height |
53 |
Drainage Area |
5790 |
Nid Storage |
25246 |
Structural Height |
81 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
81 |
Mississippi River At Chester
|
105000cfs |
South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville
|
9cfs |
Richland Creek Near Hecker
|
13cfs |
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
|
875cfs |
Silver Creek Near Freeburg
|
20cfs |
Big River Below Desloge
|
40cfs |