Airstrip Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Located in Grafton, Illinois, the Airstrip Reservoir Dam, also known as Airstrip Reservoir, stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Constructed in 1957 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned dam serves as a vital facility for both water storage and leisure activities. With a dam height of 55 feet and a length of 500 feet, the Airstrip Reservoir Dam boasts a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet, making it a crucial component of the local water infrastructure.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Airstrip Reservoir Dam is subject to regular inspections and state regulations, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards. The dam's spillway, with a width of 2 feet, is designed as uncontrolled, reflecting its high hazard potential. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential services to the community, offering a surface area of 7 acres for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.
As climate change brings about more frequent and severe weather events, the Airstrip Reservoir Dam plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources in the region. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of periodic inspections, this earth dam serves as a model for sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving climatic conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Airstrip Reservoir Dam stands as a prime example of the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of both communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB DISTILLERY HOLLOW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
0.07 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
55 |
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.
Airstrip Reservoir Dam