Valley Friends Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Valley Friends Lake Dam, located in Rock Island, Illinois, is a privately owned structure built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 47 feet and spans a length of 293 feet, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities at Valley Friends Lake. The dam's design includes an earth core with buttress foundations, and a spillway width of 40 feet for uncontrolled water release.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure public safety and compliance with state standards. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable. The last inspection in September 2015 revealed no major issues, and the dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to monitor its structural integrity and safety measures.

Valley Friends Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource in the area, providing a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet and normal storage of 80 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively for recreation purposes, with no significant modifications or emergency action plan in place. As a key feature in the tributary of the Mississippi River, Valley Friends Lake Dam highlights the importance of sustainable water management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding communities against potential risks and hazards.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

293

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

TRIB MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

102

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

47
       
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.