Highland Community College Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Willow Lake Dam Pearl City Lagoon Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Highland Community College Lake Dam in Freeport, Illinois, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the tributary Preston Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 470 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, making it essential for regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure public safety.
Managed by a private entity, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in addition to its primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a spillway width of 32 feet and a maximum discharge of 3670 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle high volumes of water during periods of heavy rainfall. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam lacks available condition assessment data, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and functionality. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Highland Community College Lake Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure that plays a significant role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB PRESTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pecatonica River At Freeport
|
723cfs |
Pecatonica River At Martintown
|
473cfs |
Rock River At Byron
|
4300cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Penrose
|
44cfs |
Sugar River Near Brodhead
|
342cfs |
Pecatonica River Nr Shirland
|
1300cfs |
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.
Highland Community College Lake Dam