Oakland Hills Dam
Key Takeaway
Oakland Hills Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 16 ft (taller than 20.3% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 240 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 51 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2002 |
| NID ID | IL50543 |
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
COX & SWINDELL
Private
Nearby Dams
Twin Lakes Dam
Madison, IL
Low Hazard 28 ftKensington Parque Dam
Madison, IL
Significant Hazard 12 ftArrow Wood Lake Dam
Madison, IL
High Hazard 15 ftTwin Lakes Lane South Lake Dam
Madison, IL
Low Hazard 31 ftWillaredt Lake Dam 1
Madison, IL
Low Hazard 26 ftRogenski Lake Dam
Madison, IL
Significant Hazard 7 ftHawthorne Hills Dam
Madison, IL
High Hazard 21 ftAtkinson Pond Dam
Madison, IL
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Oakland Hills Dam?
Oakland Hills 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 Oakland Hills Dam?
Oakland Hills Dam is owned by COX & SWINDELL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Oakland Hills Dam built?
Oakland Hills Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Oakland Hills Dam?
Oakland Hills 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 Oakland Hills Dam?
Oakland Hills Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Oakland Hills Dam last inspected?
Oakland Hills Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.