Northeast Recreation Area Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

The Northeast Recreation Area Dam, also known as Baker Park Lake, is a locally owned structure in LaSalle County, Illinois, designed by CHAMLIN & ASSOC.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1988, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 1850 feet in length along the Tributary Illinois River. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 257 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 48 acre-feet. The dam also serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 4 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Northeast Recreation Area Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, emergency action plans have been prepared since 1987 to ensure public safety. The spillway, with a width of 108 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 4360 cubic feet per second. This dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, making it a significant infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and learn from.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

1850

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TRIB ILLINOIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

257

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.