Leroy Hinkle Dam

EAST FORK PLUM CREEK· Carroll, Illinois· Built 1974· Earth· 74 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Leroy Hinkle Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 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 74 ft (taller than 97.6% in IL)
Dam Length1,820 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage22.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage14.7K acre-ft
Surface Area648 acres
Drainage Area22 sq mi
Max Discharge14,016 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDIL00843

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 23, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

LAKE CARROLL PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Leroy Hinkle Dam?

Leroy Hinkle 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 Leroy Hinkle Dam?

Leroy Hinkle Dam is owned by LAKE CARROLL PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Leroy Hinkle Dam built?

Leroy Hinkle Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Leroy Hinkle Dam?

Leroy Hinkle 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 Leroy Hinkle Dam?

Leroy Hinkle Dam has a dam height of 74 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 Leroy Hinkle Dam last inspected?

Leroy Hinkle Dam was last inspected on June 23, 2023. 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.