North Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Lake Dam, located in Elgin, Illinois, is a private-owned structure built in 1948 for recreational purposes along the TRIB FOX RIVER.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 460 feet, this earth-type dam holds a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 71 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

While the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, it is designated as having a moderate risk level (3). There are no outlet gates or associated structures, and the spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 0 feet. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not specified, indicating a need for further risk assessment and preparedness measures in case of emergencies. Despite these challenges, North Lake Dam remains a significant feature in the local landscape, providing recreational opportunities and contributing to the environmental and water resource management efforts in Kane County, Illinois.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TRIB FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

71

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.