Brookdale Dam

NORTH BRANCH KISHWAUKEE RIVER· McHenry, Illinois· Concrete· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Brookdale Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 2.5% in IL)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Normal Storage88 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area21 sq mi
NID IDIL55152

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 16, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Brookdale Dam?

Brookdale Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Brookdale Dam?

Brookdale Dam is owned by MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Brookdale Dam?

Brookdale Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Brookdale Dam?

Brookdale Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Brookdale Dam last inspected?

Brookdale Dam was last inspected on June 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.