Pine Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.