Canton City Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Canton City Lake Dam, located in Banner, Illinois, is a key water resource structure with a primary purpose of recreation and water supply.


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Summary

Built in 1939 by Kinsey Engineering Co., this earth dam stands at a height of 57 feet and spans a length of 900 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 4540 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam, situated on the West Branch Copperas Creek, has a maximum discharge capacity of 32,700 cubic feet per second and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet. With a surface area of 285 acres and a drainage area of 14.4 square miles, Canton City Lake provides both recreational opportunities and essential water supply services to the local community. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness.

Although the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, regular inspections and risk assessments help to monitor its structural integrity and overall safety. With its picturesque location and critical role in water management, Canton City Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for the residents of Fulton County, Illinois, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH COPPERAS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

285

Drainage Area

14.4

Nid Storage

9080

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

57
       
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.