Geneva Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located on the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois, the Geneva Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, completed in 1910 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 13 feet and a length of 443 feet, this gravity dam provides a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge controlled by an uncontrolled spillway that is 441 feet wide. The dam is owned and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Geneva Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources along the Fox River, providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. The dam's historical significance and architectural design make it a notable landmark in Kane County, Illinois. While the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, regular inspections ensure its structural integrity and adherence to safety standards.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure nationwide, the Geneva Dam remains a vital component of the Fox River watershed. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam's risk management measures are essential for mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding the role of dams like Geneva Dam is crucial for sustainable water management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

443

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Nid Storage

1100

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.