Dupage Airport Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Dupage Airport Upper Dam, located in Lombard, Illinois, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TRIB KRESS CREEK.


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Summary

Constructed in 1993 by CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 200 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, the dam plays a key role in mitigating potential flood hazards in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Dupage Airport Upper Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its condition assessment being listed as "Not Available," the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity. The spillway type is marked as "Uncontrolled" with a width of 8 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 340 cubic feet per second.

As an essential component of the flood control system in DuPage County, the Dupage Airport Upper Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall safety and protection of the surrounding community from potential flooding events. With a focus on flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure piece in safeguarding the region's water resources and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TRIB KRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

450

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.