Lake Storey Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Storey Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 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 | 53 ft (taller than 93% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 770 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 109 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 33,710 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00420 |
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 GALESBURG
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lake Rice Dam
Knox, IL
High Hazard 35 ftSouth Mack Glass Pond Dam
Warren, IL
Low Hazard 29 ftLowell Gardner Pond Dam
Warren, IL
Low Hazard 26 ftLake Bracken Dam
Knox, IL
Significant Hazard 47 ftYounquist Lake Dam
Warren, IL
Low Hazard 20 ftDennis Russell Dam
Knox, IL
Low Hazard 10 ftShebb Oaks Lake Dam
Knox, IL
Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Storey Dam?
Lake Storey 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 Storey Dam?
Lake Storey Dam is owned by CITY OF GALESBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Storey Dam built?
Lake Storey Dam was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Storey Dam?
Lake Storey 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 Storey Dam?
Lake Storey Dam has a dam height of 53 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 Storey Dam last inspected?
Lake Storey Dam was last inspected on September 18, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.