M. D. Borah Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Webber Lake Dam East Fork Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
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Summary
D. Borah Lake Dam, located in Richland County, Illinois, is a vital water resource serving both recreational and water supply purposes. Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at 36 feet high with a length of 960 feet, creating a storage capacity of 4,720 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Tributary of Fox River and is under the regulatory oversight of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
With a spillway width of 290 feet and a maximum discharge of 6,225 cubic feet per second, M. D. Borah Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections and emergency action planning. Despite the lack of detailed condition assessment data, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3) with no reported risk management measures in place. The dam's importance in both water supply and recreation underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and environmental resources.
In conclusion, M. D. Borah Lake Dam serves as a critical infrastructure in Richland County, Illinois, providing essential water resources for both recreational activities and water supply purposes. The dam's high hazard potential calls for continued vigilance and adherence to regulatory standards to mitigate any potential risks. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and safety of structures like M. D. Borah Lake Dam become increasingly important to ensure the resilience of local communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
960 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB FOX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
4720 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
M. D. Borah Lake Dam