Bullfrog Lake Dam

TRIB DES PLAINES RIVER· Cook, Illinois· Built 1958· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bullfrog Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 22.3% in IL)
Dam Length700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage144 acre-ft
Normal Storage77 acre-ft
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDIL00869

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: October 16, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bullfrog Lake Dam?

Bullfrog Lake 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 Bullfrog Lake Dam?

Bullfrog Lake Dam is owned by FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bullfrog Lake Dam built?

Bullfrog Lake Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Bullfrog Lake Dam?

Bullfrog Lake 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 Bullfrog Lake Dam?

Bullfrog Lake Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Bullfrog Lake Dam last inspected?

Bullfrog Lake Dam was last inspected on October 16, 2018. 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.