Lake Charleston Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Riverview Dam Glenwood Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lake Charleston Dam, located in Coles County, Illinois, serves as a vital water supply source for the city of Charleston.
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Summary
Constructed in 1981 by BEAM, LONGEST & NEFF, the earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 4400 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 3775 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
With a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second, Lake Charleston Dam is equipped to handle significant hydraulic pressures. The dam's hazard potential is considered significant, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam is maintained and operated by local government authorities, reflecting a commitment to ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.
Overall, Lake Charleston Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and supply in the region, serving as a key infrastructure for flood control and water storage. As a local government-owned structure, the dam's continued operation and maintenance are essential to safeguarding the community against potential risks and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
4400 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB EMBARASS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
3775 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
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 Charleston Dam