The Marseilles Power Canal Dam, also known as the North Channel or Head Race, is a privately owned hydroelectric structure located in LaSalle, Illinois.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1911, this gravity dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 229 feet, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power, utilizing a multi-arch design with rock foundations to harness the flow of the Marseilles Power Canal.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Marseilles Power Canal Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 209 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as having a very high risk due to its age and the potential impact of a breach. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Marseilles Power Canal Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic hydroelectric facility that continues to provide renewable energy while facing risks associated with aging infrastructure. Its location within the Chicago District of Illinois, along with its unique design features, make it a compelling site for further exploration and study in the realm of water resource management and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
229 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
MARSEILLES POWER CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
8259 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
15 |
Illinois River At Marseilles
|
4770cfs |
Fox River At Dayton
|
830cfs |
Vermilion River Near Leonore
|
21cfs |
Mazon River Near Coal City
|
4cfs |
Kankakee River Near Wilmington
|
2220cfs |
Blackberry Creek Near Yorkville
|
25cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Illini State Park
|
||
Illini State Park Campground
|
||
Tony's Cabin
|