Yorkville Dam

FOX RIVER· Kendall, Illinois· Built 1961· Gravity· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Yorkville Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 10% in IL)
Dam Length530 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage750 acre-ft
Normal Storage288 acre-ft
Drainage Area1,804 sq mi
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDIL50088

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 1, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Yorkville Dam?

Yorkville Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Yorkville Dam?

Yorkville Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Yorkville Dam built?

Yorkville Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Yorkville Dam?

Yorkville 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 Yorkville Dam?

Yorkville 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 Yorkville Dam last inspected?

Yorkville Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2015. 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.