Cornell Avenue Dam
Key Takeaway
Cornell Avenue Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 3.9% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | IL55079 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
VILLAGE OF WHEELING
Private
Nearby Dams
White Pine Ditch Dam
Cook, IL
Significant Hazard 13 ftBuffalo Creek Dam
Lake, IL
High Hazard 27 ftBarclay Station Detention Dam
Lake, IL
Low Hazard 9 ftUpper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 14 ftTouhy Avenue Reservoir Dam
Cook, IL
Significant Hazard 10 ftBusse Woods Reservoir South Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 23 ftUpper Salt Creek Structure 2 Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 23 ftHawthorn Parkway Dam
Lake, IL
High Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cornell Avenue Dam?
Cornell Avenue Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cornell Avenue Dam?
Cornell Avenue Dam is owned by VILLAGE OF WHEELING (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cornell Avenue Dam built?
Cornell Avenue Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Cornell Avenue Dam?
Cornell Avenue Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cornell Avenue Dam?
Cornell Avenue Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Cornell Avenue Dam last inspected?
Cornell Avenue Dam was last inspected on September 12, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.