Countryside Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Countryside Lake Dam, located in Long Grove, Illinois, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1928, this earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches 165 feet in length. It holds a normal storage capacity of 773 acre-feet and has a maximum discharge rate of 1292 cubic feet per second.

Despite its recreational focus, the dam poses a high hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. It is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 177 feet, allowing for the release of excess water in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Countryside Lake Dam an interesting case study due to its historical significance, engineering design, and management practices. The dam's location on Indian Creek in Lake County, Illinois, adds to its appeal as a vital water resource infrastructure in the region. With its unique characteristics and potential risks, this dam serves as a valuable point of discussion for those interested in the intersection of water management, recreation, and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

165

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

130

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

934

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.