A. E. Staley Cooling Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

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Summary

E. Staley Cooling Lake Dam, located in Macon County, Illinois, was completed in 1944 by the private entity A. E. Staley Co. This earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 1000 feet, with a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for water supply, serving as a critical infrastructure for the region.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, with a significant hazard potential due to its location on the Sangamon River. The spillway, with a width of 80 feet, is uncontrolled, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Although the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's risk level is classified as moderate (3).

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, A. E. Staley Cooling Lake Dam represents a historical engineering feat that continues to play a crucial role in water management for the area. With its unique design and purpose, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in adapting to changing environmental conditions and safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

SANGAMON-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

193

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.
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