North Branch Soldier Creek Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The North Branch Soldier Creek Reservoir Dam, located in Kankakee, Illinois, was completed in 1990 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the North Branch Soldier Creek.
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Summary
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at 13 feet in height and spans 3720 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 5000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the surrounding area.
The dam's spillway, designed as uncontrolled, features a width of 324 feet, and its hazard potential is categorized as high, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. Despite the lack of available information regarding the dam's current condition assessment, its emergency action plan was last revised in 1988, highlighting the need for updated emergency preparedness measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating, continuous risk management measures and adherence to guidelines are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the North Branch Soldier Creek Reservoir Dam for the local community and its water resources.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the North Branch Soldier Creek Reservoir Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Kankakee, Illinois. Managed by the local government and inspected regularly by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 5000 cubic feet per second. With a spillway width of 324 feet and a high hazard potential, maintaining the dam's structural integrity and emergency preparedness measures is crucial to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. Continuous risk management efforts and adherence to guidelines are essential to uphold the functionality and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
3720 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH BRANCH SOLDIER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kankakee River At Momence
|
1330cfs |
Iroquois River Near Chebanse
|
122cfs |
Kankakee River Near Wilmington
|
2240cfs |
Hickory Creek At Joliet
|
25cfs |
Kankakee River At Shelby
|
1140cfs |
Iroquois River At Iroquois
|
41cfs |
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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