The Touhy Avenue Reservoir Dam, located in Chicago, Illinois, was completed in 2004 and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Higgins Creek. This concrete dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 740 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Touhy Avenue Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam is inspected every three years to monitor its structural integrity. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is designed to handle uncontrolled overflow events to prevent flooding downstream. The dam is owned and operated by the local government, highlighting the collaborative efforts to manage water resources and protect the surrounding community from potential hazards.