Eldorado Reservoir Dam

TRIB WOLF CREEK· Saline, Illinois· Built 1920· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Eldorado Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 28.2% in IL)
Dam Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage913 acre-ft
Surface Area145 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge2,778 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
Year Modified2003
NID IDIL00068

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: November 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

SALINE VALLEY CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Eldorado Reservoir Dam?

Eldorado Reservoir 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 Eldorado Reservoir Dam?

Eldorado Reservoir Dam is owned by SALINE VALLEY CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Eldorado Reservoir Dam built?

Eldorado Reservoir Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Eldorado Reservoir Dam?

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

How tall is Eldorado Reservoir Dam?

Eldorado Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Eldorado Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Eldorado Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 14, 2022. 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.