Belvidere Dam
Key Takeaway
Belvidere Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 years old. Its primary use is other.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 5.7% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 853 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 750 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 95 acres |
| Drainage Area | 538 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,080 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2005 |
| NID ID | IL50003 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Belvidere Dam?
Belvidere Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Belvidere Dam?
Belvidere Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Belvidere Dam built?
Belvidere Dam was completed in 1865, making it 161 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Belvidere Dam?
Belvidere Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Belvidere Dam?
Belvidere Dam has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Belvidere Dam last inspected?
Belvidere Dam was last inspected on September 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.