Gordon F. Moore Park Dam

TRIB WEST FORK WOOD RIVER· Madison, Illinois· Built 1988· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gordon F. Moore Park Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1988 and is 38 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 51.5% in IL)
Dam Length460 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage175 acre-ft
Normal Storage52 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,035 cfs
Year Completed1988 (38 years old)
NID IDIL50037

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: September 12, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF ALTON

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gordon F. Moore Park Dam?

Gordon F. Moore Park 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 Gordon F. Moore Park Dam?

Gordon F. Moore Park Dam is owned by CITY OF ALTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gordon F. Moore Park Dam built?

Gordon F. Moore Park Dam was completed in 1988, making it 38 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 Gordon F. Moore Park Dam?

Gordon F. Moore Park 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 Gordon F. Moore Park Dam?

Gordon F. Moore Park 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 Gordon F. Moore Park Dam last inspected?

Gordon F. Moore Park Dam was last inspected on September 12, 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.