Charley Brown Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Trago Lake Dam Greendale Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Charley Brown Park Lake Dam, located in Clay County, Illinois, is a recreational earth dam built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 350 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet of water for the Charley Brown Park Lake. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering visitors a serene environment to enjoy outdoor activities along the tributary of Raccoon Creek.
The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. Despite its significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not had a condition assessment available since its last inspection in 2012. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 39 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not available, highlighting potential areas for improvement in ensuring the safety and reliability of the structure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts who frequent the area.
In the picturesque setting of Charley Brown Park Lake Dam, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and recreational opportunities offered by this WPA-designed structure. With its serene surroundings and potential for outdoor activities, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors. As efforts continue to assess and improve the dam's condition and emergency preparedness, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the sustainability and resilience of this vital water resource feature in Clay County, Illinois.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB RACCOON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Charley Brown Park Lake Dam