West Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
West Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 49 ft (taller than 91.2% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 213 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 141 acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | IL00147 |
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
WEST LAKE HOMEOWNERS
Private
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Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of West Lake Dam?
West 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 West Lake Dam?
West Lake Dam is owned by WEST LAKE HOMEOWNERS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was West Lake Dam built?
West Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 West Lake Dam?
West 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 West Lake Dam?
West Lake Dam has a dam height of 49 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 West Lake Dam last inspected?
West Lake Dam was last inspected on June 12, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.