Levings Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Levings Lake Dam, located in Winnebago, Illinois, is a crucial infrastructure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction along the South Branch Kent Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1935 by the Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 1090 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1081 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 1108 feet, serves as an uncontrolled release point during high water events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 40693 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Levings Lake Dam remains in a high hazard potential condition, prompting regular inspections by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to ensure public safety. The dam's primary purpose extends beyond flood control to include recreational activities, reflecting its importance in both water resource management and community engagement. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water availability, the role of structures like Levings Lake Dam in mitigating flood risks and ensuring sustainable water management becomes increasingly vital for the resilience of the surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

1090

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH KENT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

1081

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.