M. D. Borah Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
M. D. Borah Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 | 36 ft (taller than 78.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 960 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 6,225 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00331 |
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 OLNEY
Local Government
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Low Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of M. D. Borah Lake Dam?
M. D. Borah Lake 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 M. D. Borah Lake Dam?
M. D. Borah Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF OLNEY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was M. D. Borah Lake Dam built?
M. D. Borah Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 M. D. Borah Lake Dam?
M. D. Borah Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is M. D. Borah Lake Dam?
M. D. Borah Lake Dam has a dam height of 36 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 M. D. Borah Lake Dam last inspected?
M. D. Borah Lake Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.