Rice Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Rice Lake Dam, located in DuPage, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed by Patrick Engineering and completed in 1991.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 13 feet and stretching 1300 feet in length, serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Willoway Brook. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 660 acre-feet and a surface area of 39 acres, with a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rice Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam primarily serves flood risk reduction, it also offers recreational opportunities for the community. The spillway, with a width of 214 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the release of water during periods of high discharge. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment and emergency action plan status are currently unavailable, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and management to mitigate potential risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rice Lake Dam presents a fascinating intersection of engineering, environmental management, and public safety. With its strategic location in Valley View, Illinois, and its critical role in flood risk reduction, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water resources, the management and maintenance of structures like Rice Lake Dam become increasingly vital to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the threats of flooding and other water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOWAY BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
39 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
660 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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