Oregon Dam
Key Takeaway
Oregon Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 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 | 12 ft (taller than 10% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 868 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8,205 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | IL01010 |
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
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Oregon Dam?
Oregon 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 Oregon Dam?
Oregon 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 Oregon Dam built?
Oregon Dam was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Oregon Dam?
Oregon Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Oregon Dam?
Oregon Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Oregon Dam last inspected?
Oregon Dam was last inspected on October 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.