Rend Dam
Key Takeaway
Rend Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 54 ft (taller than 93.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 10,228 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 607.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 184.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18,900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 488 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 87,250 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00117 |
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
USACE - St. Louis District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Liberty Land/Mine 24/North Pond Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 24 ftOld Ben/Mine 24/Sediment and Slurry Dam
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Low Hazard 30 ftLiberty Land/Mine 24/Slurry Cell 2 Dam
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Low Hazard 55 ftLiberty Land/Mine 24/Freshwater Lake Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 20 ftLake Benton Dam
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Significant Hazard 22 ftLake Hamilton Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftLiberty Land/Mine 26/Slurry Cell 4 Dam
Franklin, IL
Low Hazard 56 ftLiberty Land/Mine 26/Slurry Cell 3 Dam
Franklin, IL
Significant Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rend Dam?
Rend 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 Rend Dam?
Rend Dam is owned by USACE - St. Louis District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rend Dam built?
Rend Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Rend Dam?
Rend Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rend Dam?
Rend Dam has a dam height of 54 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 Rend Dam last inspected?
Rend Dam was last inspected on February 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.