Pine Lake Dam, located in West Dundee, Illinois, is a private recreational dam built in 1940 with a height of 14 feet and a length of 320 feet.
Wind
Humidity
Situated on Sleepy Hollow Creek, this earth dam with buttress core serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene 5-acre surface area for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its modest size, the dam has a high hazard potential, prompting regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and regulatory compliance.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Pine Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state to maintain its structural integrity and prevent potential risks. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 69 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 49 cubic feet per second. While the dam lacks outlet gates, it still holds a normal storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 17 acre-feet, making it an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pine Lake Dam serves as a fascinating case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Illinois. With its historical significance, structural features, and regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human leisure activities with the need for sustainable water management practices. As stakeholders continue to monitor and address potential risks associated with the dam, its role in enhancing community resilience and environmental stewardship remains a critical aspect of water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
SLEEPY HOLLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Tyler Creek At Elgin
|
3cfs |
Fox River At Algonquin (Tailwater)
|
445cfs |
Fox River At Algonquin
|
725cfs |
Poplar Creek At Elgin
|
3cfs |
Fox River At South Elgin
|
541cfs |
Ferson Creek Near St. Charles
|
8cfs |