Batavia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Batavia Dam, located on the Fox River in Batavia, Illinois, was completed in 1916 and serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

The dam is owned by the local government and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. With a height of 6 feet and a length of 300 feet, Batavia Dam holds a storage capacity of 169 acre-feet, making it a crucial structure for managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the area.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as significant, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The last inspection took place in October 2017, with a frequency of every three years. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the risk assessment for Batavia Dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 300 feet, providing an essential means for managing water flow during periods of high discharge.

Overall, Batavia Dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding communities from flooding along the Fox River. As a key component of water resource and climate management in Kane County, Illinois, the dam requires careful monitoring and maintenance to uphold its function in safeguarding the area against potential flood risks. Despite its age, Batavia Dam remains a vital infrastructure for flood control and water management in the region, underscoring the importance of ongoing investment and attention to ensure its continued reliability and effectiveness.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

169

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

6
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.