Maple Lake Dam

TRIB DES PLAINES RIVER· Cook, Illinois· Built 1918· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Maple Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 42.6% in IL)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage765 acre-ft
Normal Storage412 acre-ft
Surface Area60 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1918 (108 years old)
NID IDIL00878

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 17, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Maple Lake Dam?

Maple Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Maple Lake Dam?

Maple Lake Dam is owned by FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Maple Lake Dam built?

Maple Lake Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Maple Lake Dam?

Maple Lake 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 Maple Lake Dam?

Maple Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Maple Lake Dam last inspected?

Maple Lake Dam was last inspected on November 17, 2020. 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.