Tara Lake Dam, located in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois, is a private dam that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1964 by designer William Hoppe, the earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 500 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 57 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 8 acres.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Tara Lake Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations. The dam poses a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, with a width of 52 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam has no outlet gates or associated structures.
With a drainage area of 1.1 square miles and a maximum discharge of 65 cubic feet per second, Tara Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to be a popular spot for recreational activities, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike to its picturesque surroundings and serene waters.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB JELKES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Tyler Creek At Elgin
|
3cfs |
Fox River At Algonquin (Tailwater)
|
445cfs |
Fox River At Algonquin
|
725cfs |
Poplar Creek At Elgin
|
3cfs |
Fox River At South Elgin
|
541cfs |
Ferson Creek Near St. Charles
|
8cfs |