Fairwood Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Fairwood Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 | 27 ft (taller than 51.5% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 370 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 229 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 137 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 397 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2000 |
| NID ID | IL01022 |
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
FAIRWOOD LAKE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Russel Funk Dam
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High Hazard 17 ftMemorial East Campus Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 28 ftTeagle Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 26 ftRavenel Lake Dam
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High Hazard 14 ftCastle Ridge Lake Dam
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High Hazard 42 ftRavenwood Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftMagin Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 37 ftAtkinson Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fairwood Lake Dam?
Fairwood 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 Fairwood Lake Dam?
Fairwood Lake Dam is owned by FAIRWOOD LAKE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fairwood Lake Dam built?
Fairwood Lake Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Fairwood Lake Dam?
Fairwood 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 Fairwood Lake Dam?
Fairwood Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Fairwood Lake Dam last inspected?
Fairwood Lake Dam was last inspected on October 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.