Lake Charles Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Charles Dam, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is a concrete structure completed in 1962 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Situated on the Seavey Drainage Ditch, this dam has a height of 9 feet and a length of 390 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 111 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 494 acre-feet. With a surface area of 24 acres and a drainage area of 4.9 square miles, the dam has a spillway width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 4800 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government, Lake Charles Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections with a high hazard potential rating. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam meets emergency action plan guidelines and has emergency contact information in place. Despite the moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have outlet gates or associated structures.

Overall, Lake Charles Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area, providing both recreational opportunities and critical water resource management. As a key component of the Seavey Drainage Ditch system, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events. With its sturdy concrete construction and regulatory oversight, Lake Charles Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource and climate management in Illinois.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

SEAVEY DRAINAGE DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

24

Drainage Area

4.9

Nid Storage

494

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.