Countryside Lake Dam

INDIAN CREEK· Lake, Illinois· Built 1928· Earth· 9 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Countryside Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length165 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage934 acre-ft
Normal Storage773 acre-ft
Surface Area130 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,292 cfs
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDIL01001

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 30, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

COUNTRYSIDE LAKE ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Countryside Lake Dam?

Countryside Lake 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 Countryside Lake Dam?

Countryside Lake Dam is owned by COUNTRYSIDE LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Countryside Lake Dam built?

Countryside Lake Dam was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Countryside Lake Dam?

Countryside 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 Countryside Lake Dam?

Countryside Lake 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 Countryside Lake Dam last inspected?

Countryside Lake Dam was last inspected on May 30, 2023. 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.