Lake Ellyn
Key Takeaway
Lake Ellyn is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 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 | 12 ft (taller than 16% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 228 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 126 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 54 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00138 |
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
DONALD M. STAHLEY, SR.
Private
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Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Ellyn?
Lake Ellyn 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 Lake Ellyn?
Lake Ellyn is owned by DONALD M. STAHLEY, SR. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Ellyn built?
Lake Ellyn was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Lake Ellyn?
Lake Ellyn 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 Lake Ellyn?
Lake Ellyn has a dam height of 12 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 Lake Ellyn last inspected?
Lake Ellyn was last inspected on November 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.