Red Hills Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Red Hills Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 35 ft (taller than 76.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 570 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 725 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 428 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00177 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
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 Red Hills Lake Dam?
Red Hills Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Red Hills Lake Dam?
Red Hills 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 Red Hills Lake Dam built?
Red Hills Lake Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Red Hills Lake Dam?
Red Hills 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 Red Hills Lake Dam?
Red Hills Lake Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Red Hills Lake Dam last inspected?
Red Hills Lake Dam was last inspected on October 18, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.