Lake Heights Dam

PADDOCK CREEK-OFFSTREAM· Madison, Illinois· Built 1944· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Heights Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 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 Length273 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage43 acre-ft
Normal Storage35 acre-ft
Year Completed1944 (82 years old)
NID IDIL01036

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: May 15, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

LAKE HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Heights Dam?

Lake Heights 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 Lake Heights Dam?

Lake Heights Dam is owned by LAKE HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Heights Dam built?

Lake Heights Dam was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Heights Dam?

Lake Heights 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 Lake Heights Dam?

Lake Heights 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 Lake Heights Dam last inspected?

Lake Heights Dam was last inspected on May 15, 2018. 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.