Deer Park Lake Dam

TRIB VERMILLION RIVER· LaSalle, Illinois· Built 1910· Arch· 55 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Deer Park Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 55 ft (taller than 93.6% in IL)
Dam Length125 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage314 acre-ft
Normal Storage110 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge5,549 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDIL00455

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: Yes
Last Inspection: May 18, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Deer Park Lake Dam?

Deer Park 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 Deer Park Lake Dam?

Deer Park Lake Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Deer Park Lake Dam built?

Deer Park Lake Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Deer Park Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Deer Park Lake Dam?

Deer Park Lake Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Deer Park Lake Dam last inspected?

Deer Park Lake Dam was last inspected on May 18, 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.