Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam

SALT CREEK· Cook, Illinois· Built 1987· Earth· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 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 14 ft (taller than 14.5% in IL)
Dam Length3,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage775 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Max Discharge1,300 cfs
Year Completed1987 (39 years old)
NID IDIL50054

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 7, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam?

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 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 4 Dam?

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 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 4 Dam built?

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam was completed in 1987, making it 39 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 4 Dam?

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 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 Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam?

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam has a dam height of 14 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 4 Dam last inspected?

Upper Salt Creek Structure 4 Dam was last inspected on October 7, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.