Maple Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maple Lake Dam, located in Lemont, Illinois, is a local government-owned structure that serves a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1918, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 110 feet, with a storage capacity of 765 acre-feet. Situated on the Trib Des Plaines River, the dam's spillway type is classified as uncontrolled with a width of 15 feet. Despite its age, Maple Lake Dam is regularly inspected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is deemed to have a significant hazard potential.

With a drainage area of 0.6 square miles, Maple Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's location in Cook County, Illinois, makes it a key feature in the local landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and flood control measures. Although the dam's condition assessment is not currently available, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating that preventative measures and risk management strategies are in place to address any potential issues that may arise.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Maple Lake Dam to be a fascinating structure that showcases the intersection of human engineering with natural landscapes. As a significant feature on the Trib Des Plaines River, this dam not only provides recreational benefits to the local community but also plays a vital role in water storage and flood prevention efforts. Its historical significance, coupled with its ongoing regulatory oversight and risk management measures, make Maple Lake Dam a noteworthy site for those interested in the sustainable management of water resources and the impacts of climate change on infrastructure.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

110

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TRIB DES PLAINES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

765

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.