Pierce Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Pierce Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 | 46 ft (taller than 88.9% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 470 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 162 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | IL01011 |
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
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Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pierce Lake Dam?
Pierce Lake 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 Pierce Lake Dam?
Pierce 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 Pierce Lake Dam built?
Pierce Lake Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Pierce Lake Dam?
Pierce 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 Pierce Lake Dam?
Pierce Lake Dam has a dam height of 46 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 Pierce Lake Dam last inspected?
Pierce Lake Dam was last inspected on July 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.