Fawell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fawell Dam, also known as Naperville Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in DuPage County, Illinois.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 1,110 feet across the West Branch DuPage River. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Fawell Dam has a maximum storage capacity of 3,172 acre-feet and can discharge up to 23,577 cubic feet per second through its controlled spillway.

The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a hazard potential rated as high. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Fawell Dam is currently not available, indicating a need for further evaluation and potential maintenance. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 1999, highlighting the importance of ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of emergency response measures in the event of a dam failure.

Given its location and the significant risk it poses, Fawell Dam has been assigned a very high risk assessment rating. With Sean Casten representing the area in Congress, stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts should monitor developments related to the dam's safety and management measures to mitigate the potential impacts of a catastrophic failure on the surrounding communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

1110

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH DUPAGE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

105

Nid Storage

3172

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.