Dresden Cooling Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Dresden Cooling Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 25 ft (taller than 42.6% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 44,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 14.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,275 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,755 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00439 |
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
EXELON GENERATION COMPANY, LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Dresden Island Lock and Dam
Grundy, IL
Significant HazardChannahon Dam
Will, IL
Low Hazard 25 ftCollins Station Cooling Lake Dam
Grundy, IL
Significant Hazard 27 ftBeaver Lake Dam
Grundy, IL
Significant Hazard 15 ftInternational Center South Dam
Grundy, IL
Significant Hazard 7 ftMinooka Ridge Business Center Temp Detention Dam
Kendall, IL
Low Hazard 14 ftDeer Run Pond K Dam
Will, IL
Low Hazard 11 ftJoliet West Side Wastewater Treatment Plant Dam
Will, IL
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dresden Cooling Lake Dam?
Dresden Cooling 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 Dresden Cooling Lake Dam?
Dresden Cooling Lake Dam is owned by EXELON GENERATION COMPANY, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dresden Cooling Lake Dam built?
Dresden Cooling Lake Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Dresden Cooling Lake Dam?
Dresden Cooling Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Dresden Cooling Lake Dam?
Dresden Cooling Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Dresden Cooling Lake Dam last inspected?
Dresden Cooling Lake Dam was last inspected on December 30, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.