Dolan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Track Loop Pond Dam Main Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Dolan Lake Dam, located in Elba, Illinois, serves as a crucial water resource for the area with its primary purpose being recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 830 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1507 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Lick Creek and has a drainage area of 1.7 square miles, ensuring a steady water supply for the surrounding area.
Managed by the state regulatory agency IDNR, Dolan Lake Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. With a high hazard potential, this dam poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to be in place. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 1987, highlighting the importance of updated emergency preparedness in case of unforeseen events.
Overall, Dolan Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and provides recreational opportunities for the local community. As an earth dam with uncontrolled spillways, its significance lies in both its functional and recreational value, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
830 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
LICK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
76 |
Drainage Area |
1.7 |
Nid Storage |
1507 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Wabash River At Carmi
|
193cfs |
Skillet Fork At Wayne City
|
6cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
7140cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
Casey Fork At Mount Vernon
|
3cfs |
Bonpas Creek At Browns
|
0cfs |
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.
Dolan Lake Dam