Kimball Street Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kimball Street Dam, located on the Fox River in Elgin, Illinois, was completed in 1884 and serves a primary purpose of navigation.


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Summary

With a dam height of 13 feet and a length of 325 feet, it plays a significant role in regulating water levels and flow along the river. The dam is owned by the local government and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam's rockfill structure with a buttress core type provides stability and control over the river's water supply. It has a storage capacity of 1303 acre-feet and a surface area of 314 acres. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected, with the last inspection taking place in September 2018. The risk assessment for Kimball Street Dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

Overall, Kimball Street Dam is a vital structure for water resource management and navigation along the Fox River. Its historical significance, coupled with its functional design and regulatory oversight, highlights its importance in maintaining water supply and flow control in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam represents a key piece of infrastructure that plays a crucial role in balancing the needs of various stakeholders along the river.

Year Completed

1884

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

314

Nid Storage

1303

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.