Dayton Estates Dam dam
Dayton Estates Dam
Dayton Estates Dam, located in Dayton, Illinois, was completed in 1965 and serves as a key recreational site for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 240 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TRIB FOX RIVER, within the LaSalle County jurisdiction, and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Despite its high hazard potential, Dayton Estates Dam lacks a condition assessment and emergency action plan, presenting some challenges in risk management and preparedness. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 23 feet. It is subject to regular inspections and falls under the regulatory oversight of the state, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's location within the Chicago District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds an additional layer of federal involvement in its operations and maintenance.
Overall, Dayton Estates Dam stands as a vital recreational asset in the region, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based adventures. Its presence on the TRIB FOX RIVER contributes to the local ecosystem and provides a source of enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. As efforts continue to enhance the dam's safety and risk management measures, it remains a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Dayton Estates Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Fox River At Dayton | 1,920 cfs | → |
| Illinois River At Marseilles | 8,420 cfs | → |
| Vermilion River Near Leonore | 523 cfs | → |
| Mazon River Near Coal City | 209 cfs | → |
| Blackberry Creek Near Yorkville | 46 cfs | → |
| East Bureau Creek Near Bureau | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Dayton Estates Dam.
Boat launches
- Calumet Street Ottawa
- Courtney Street Ottawa
- East 2425th Road Lasalle County
- Il 71 Lasalle County
- S Main Street 2505, Seneca
- Ed Hand Highway 95, Deer Park
Campgrounds
- Illini State Park
- Illini State Park Campground
- Tony's Cabin
- Starved Rock State Park
- Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park
- Lake De Pue City Park
Fishing spots
Track Dayton Estates Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Dayton Estates Dam
Where does the data for Dayton Estates Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Dayton Estates Dam.