Belvidere Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Belvidere Dam, located on the Kishwaukee River in Boone, Illinois, is a state-owned structure with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1865.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 10 feet and stretching 853 feet in length, this Buttress-style dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and water storage. With a normal storage capacity of 220 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 9,080 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water management within the region.

Despite its low hazard potential, Belvidere Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates contribute to its operational design, while its moderate risk assessment rating underscores the importance of ongoing risk management measures. With a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

As a significant landmark along the Kishwaukee River, Belvidere Dam not only provides vital water storage but also offers recreational opportunities for the surrounding community. With its historical significance, structural integrity, and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between water resource management and climate resilience in the state of Illinois.

Year Completed

1865

Dam Length

853

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

KISHWAUKEE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

95

Drainage Area

538

Nid Storage

750

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.