Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 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 | 26 ft (taller than 47.1% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 5,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 57 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 13,948 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50045 |
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
METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Upper Salt Creek Structure 2 Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 23 ftWoodfield Lakes Dam
Cook, IL
Low Hazard 8 ftWetfoot Lake Dam
Cook, IL
Low Hazard 13 ftUpper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 14 ftBusse Woods Reservoir South Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 23 ftBrentwood Townehome Dam
Cook, IL
High Hazard 14 ftSouth Lake of The Coves Dam
Cook, IL
Low Hazard 16 ftLake of The Coves Dam
Cook, IL
Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam?
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 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 Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam?
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam is owned by METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam built?
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam?
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam?
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam last inspected?
Upper Salt Creek Structure 3 Dam was last inspected on June 29, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.