Moraine View Dam

TRIB NORTH FORK SALT CREEK· McLean, Illinois· Built 1963· Earth· 42 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Moraine View Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 42 ft (taller than 85.8% in IL)
Dam Length1,380 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.6K acre-ft
Surface Area158 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge6,743 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDIL00281

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: May 11, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Moraine View Dam?

Moraine View 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 Moraine View Dam?

Moraine View Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Moraine View Dam built?

Moraine View Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Moraine View Dam?

Moraine View 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 Moraine View Dam?

Moraine View Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Moraine View Dam last inspected?

Moraine View Dam was last inspected on May 11, 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.