Dupage Airport Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lombard, Illinois, the Dupage Airport Lower Dam plays a vital role in flood risk reduction along the tributary of Kress Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1992 by CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 500 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Dupage Airport Lower Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet to manage maximum discharges of up to 550 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam serves as a crucial component in the overall flood risk reduction strategy for DuPage County.

As a key infrastructure asset in DuPage County, the Dupage Airport Lower Dam provides a level of protection against potential flood events, contributing to the overall resilience of the community. With a focus on flood risk reduction, the dam is an essential component in the management of water resources and climate-related challenges in the region. The collaborative efforts between local government agencies and designers ensure that the dam remains operational and effective in safeguarding the surrounding area from the impacts of flooding.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TRIB KRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

90

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.