Kinkaid Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Kinkaid Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 | 96 ft (taller than 99.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 153.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 78.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 62 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 45,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2000 |
| NID ID | IL00012 |
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
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kinkaid Lake Dam?
Kinkaid 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 Kinkaid Lake Dam?
Kinkaid 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 Kinkaid Lake Dam built?
Kinkaid Lake Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Kinkaid Lake Dam?
Kinkaid Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kinkaid Lake Dam?
Kinkaid Lake Dam has a dam height of 96 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 Kinkaid Lake Dam last inspected?
Kinkaid Lake Dam was last inspected on October 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.