Olson Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Olson Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 24 ft (taller than 40.5% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,130 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 630 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 218 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,588 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50236 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Olson Lake Dam?
Olson Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Olson Lake Dam?
Olson Lake 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 Olson Lake Dam built?
Olson Lake Dam was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Olson Lake Dam?
Olson 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 Olson Lake Dam?
Olson Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Olson Lake Dam last inspected?
Olson Lake Dam was last inspected on October 6, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.