Rice Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Rice Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 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 | 13 ft (taller than 12.5% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 660 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 14,887 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50219 |
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
FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNT
Private
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High Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rice Lake Dam?
Rice 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 Rice Lake Dam?
Rice Lake Dam is owned by FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rice Lake Dam built?
Rice 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 Rice Lake Dam?
Rice Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rice Lake Dam?
Rice Lake Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Rice Lake Dam last inspected?
Rice Lake Dam was last inspected on April 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.