Lake Centralia Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sportsman Lake Dam Kings Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Marion, Illinois, Lake Centralia Dam is a significant earth dam with a height of 31 feet and a length of 720 feet, completed in 1911 by Harper Engineering Co.
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Summary
The dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a surface area of 300 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 4,165 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, with a significant hazard potential due to its location on Martin Branch.
Visitors to Lake Centralia can enjoy recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking, all while appreciating the vital role the dam plays in providing water supply. With a drainage area of 6.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 5,183 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures the surrounding community has access to a reliable water source. Despite its age, Lake Centralia Dam has been well-maintained, with a moderate risk assessment rating and a three-year inspection frequency to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Overall, Lake Centralia Dam stands as a testament to the enduring importance of water resource management and infrastructure in supporting both recreational activities and essential water supply needs. As a key structure in Marion County, Illinois, the dam serves as a vital link between the local community and the natural environment, highlighting the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
720 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
MARTIN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
300 |
Drainage Area |
6.7 |
Nid Storage |
4165 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lake Centralia Dam