Horton Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Horton Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 | 50 ft (taller than 91.7% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 287 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 158 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 33 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,809 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00256 |
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
Nearby Dams
Hendricks Dam
Lee, IA
Low Hazard 29 ftMc Dowell Lake Dam 2
Lee, IA
Significant Hazard 29 ftStrunk Dam
Lee, IA
Low Hazard 41 ftMc Dowel Dam #1
Lee, IA
Significant Hazard 40 ftDettmer Dam
Lee, IA
Low Hazard 26 ftIowa Noname26
Lee, IA
Low Hazard 34 ftMc Clellan/Leichty Dam
Lee, IA
Low Hazard 30 ftChatfield Lake Dam
Lee, IA
Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Horton Lake Dam?
Horton 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 Horton Lake Dam?
Horton 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 Horton Lake Dam built?
Horton Lake Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Horton Lake Dam?
Horton 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 Horton Lake Dam?
Horton Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Horton Lake Dam last inspected?
Horton Lake Dam was last inspected on July 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.