Clay City Side Channel Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gaskin Lake Dam Nix Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Clay City Side Channel Reservoir Dam is a vital water supply infrastructure project located in Clay City, Illinois.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1998 by Charleston Engineering, stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 3500 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the local community, with a normal storage level of 125 acre-feet and a surface area of 15 acres.
Situated along the tributary of the Little Wabash River, this dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes state inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to moderate risk assessment due to its location and function. The spillway, outlet gates, and other associated structures are designed for uncontrolled discharge, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, and it last underwent inspection in July 2010.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic importance of the Clay City Side Channel Reservoir Dam in ensuring a reliable water supply for the local community. Its construction and management reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development in Illinois. The dam's design and operational features, along with its regulatory oversight and risk assessment, highlight the essential role it plays in enhancing water security and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demand.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
3500 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB LITTLE WABASH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Clay City Side Channel Reservoir Dam