Midlothian Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Midlothian Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 22 ft (taller than 35.1% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,515 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 148 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,031 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | IL01002 |
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
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Local Government
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Midlothian Creek Dam?
Midlothian Creek 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 Midlothian Creek Dam?
Midlothian Creek Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Midlothian Creek Dam built?
Midlothian Creek Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Midlothian Creek Dam?
Midlothian Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Midlothian Creek Dam?
Midlothian Creek Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Midlothian Creek Dam last inspected?
Midlothian Creek Dam was last inspected on November 19, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.