Starved Rock Lock And Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Starved Rock Lock and Dam, located on the Illinois River in LaSalle County, Illinois, serves as a critical navigation point and hydroelectric facility.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1933, this concrete gravity dam stands at a structural height of 35 feet and spans 1,429 feet, with a hydraulic height of 25 feet. Its primary purpose is navigation, with a single lock measuring 600 feet in length and 110 feet in width. The dam's risk assessment was reclassified as low in July 2021, with measures in place to mitigate potential hazards such as flood events that could impact the Tainter gate system.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) oversees the operation and maintenance of Starved Rock Lock and Dam, conducting regular inspections to ensure its integrity and address any deficiencies. The dam's Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated, with coordination with state and local emergency management agencies to enhance response planning. USACE's risk management measures include a robust monitoring program, emergency exercises with local responders, and a comprehensive communication plan to increase awareness and preparedness in the event of a dam incident. Despite a low risk of failure, the dam's impact would be limited to river navigation upstream, with minimal property damages downstream in the unlikely event of a failure.
Overall, Starved Rock Lock and Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management, supporting navigation and hydroelectricity while prioritizing risk management and public safety. With continuous monitoring and maintenance efforts in place, the dam remains a key asset for the community, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing potential hazards and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this essential structure in the Illinois River watershed.
Year Completed |
1933 |
Dam Length |
1429 |
River Or Stream |
ILLINOIS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Length Of Locks |
600 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
11056 |
Nid Storage |
16000 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 10, Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Vermilion River Near Leonore
|
17cfs |
Fox River At Dayton
|
672cfs |
Illinois River At Marseilles
|
3770cfs |
East Bureau Creek Near Bureau
|
2cfs |
Illinois River At Henry
|
3410cfs |
Big Bureau Creek At Princeton
|
8cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Starved Rock Lock And Dam
IL 71 LaSalle County