Tower Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Tower Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 10% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 421 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00630 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TOWER LAKES IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Lakeland Estates Dam
Lake, IL
Low Hazard 9 ftTimber Lake Dam
Lake, IL
Low Hazard 20 ftSlocum Lake Dam
Lake, IL
Low Hazard 8 ftIsland Lake Dam
McHenry, IL
Low Hazard 12 ftGray Hawk Center Dam
Lake, IL
Significant Hazard 8 ftLake Amy Dam
Lake, IL
Low Hazard 18 ftLancaster Court Dam
Lake, IL
High Hazard 8 ftHawthorn Woods Country Club Wwtp Dam
Lake, IL
Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake Dam is owned by TOWER LAKES IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tower Lake Dam built?
Tower Lake Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Tower Lake Dam?
Tower 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 Tower Lake Dam?
Tower Lake 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 Tower Lake Dam last inspected?
Tower Lake Dam was last inspected on July 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.