Lake Kakusha Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Kakusha Dam, located in Mendota, Illinois, is a vital structure built in 1981 by the USDA NRCS with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Mendota Creek.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at 29 feet high and stretches over 2150 feet, holding a storage capacity of 1827 acre-feet to manage potential flooding in the region. Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its integrity.
With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Lake Kakusha Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding LaSalle County from flooding events. The spillway, width of 215 feet, and uncontrolled outlet gates serve as essential features for managing excess water flow during heavy rainfall. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to uphold its functionality and ensure public safety in the face of climate change challenges.
As a key component of flood risk reduction infrastructure in Illinois, Lake Kakusha Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a history of consistent state inspections and a designated emergency action plan, the dam continues to serve as a critical resource for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
2150 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
MENDOTA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
1827 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Kakusha Dam