Fordam Station Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fordam Station Dam, located on the Rock River in Winnebago, Illinois, was completed in 1852 and is privately owned with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

This gravity dam stands at 12 feet tall and stretches 705 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, outlet gates, and is not associated with any other structures. It is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in July 2018, with a frequency of every 5 years. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam's risk management measures are also unspecified, indicating potential areas for further evaluation and improvement in its operation and maintenance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fordam Station Dam serves as a historic and functional piece of infrastructure in Illinois, contributing to the region's renewable energy production through hydroelectric power generation. With its unique design and location on the Rock River, the dam presents opportunities for studying the intersection of water management, energy generation, and environmental sustainability. Continued monitoring and maintenance of the dam are essential to ensure its safety, efficiency, and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource management challenges.

Year Completed

1852

Dam Length

705

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

ROCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Drainage Area

6290

Nid Storage

50

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.