Dolan Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Dolan Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 30 ft (taller than 61.3% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 830 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 603 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,235 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00532 |
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
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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High Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dolan Lake Dam?
Dolan 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 Dolan Lake Dam?
Dolan Lake Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dolan Lake Dam built?
Dolan Lake Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Dolan Lake Dam?
Dolan 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 Dolan Lake Dam?
Dolan Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Dolan Lake Dam last inspected?
Dolan Lake Dam was last inspected on May 5, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.