Lake Kakusha Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Kakusha Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 29 ft (taller than 58.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 2,150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 280 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 7,909 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50035 |
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
CITY OF MENDOTA
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Kakusha Dam?
Lake Kakusha 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 Lake Kakusha Dam?
Lake Kakusha Dam is owned by CITY OF MENDOTA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Kakusha Dam built?
Lake Kakusha Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 Kakusha Dam?
Lake Kakusha Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Kakusha Dam?
Lake Kakusha Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Kakusha Dam last inspected?
Lake Kakusha Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.