Lake Vermilion Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Vermilion Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 45 ft (taller than 88% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 645 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 15.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 608 acres |
| Drainage Area | 320 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 106,565 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1986 |
| NID ID | IL00525 |
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
AQUA ILLINOIS, INC.
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Vermilion Dam?
Lake Vermilion 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 Vermilion Dam?
Lake Vermilion Dam is owned by AQUA ILLINOIS, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Vermilion Dam built?
Lake Vermilion Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Vermilion Dam?
Lake Vermilion Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Vermilion Dam?
Lake Vermilion Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Vermilion Dam last inspected?
Lake Vermilion Dam was last inspected on November 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.