Lower Batavia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lower Batavia Dam, located on the Fox River in North Aurora, Illinois, is a concrete buttress dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Constructed in 1916, the dam stands at a height of 5 feet and spans 308 feet in length. While its normal storage capacity is listed as 0, the dam serves as a popular spot for recreational activities along the river.

Owned and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Lower Batavia Dam is inspected regularly to ensure public safety. With a significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is monitored closely to prevent any potential threats to the surrounding area. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as not available, but emergency action plans and risk management measures are in place to address any unforeseen events.

Although the Lower Batavia Dam is not under the jurisdiction of any federal agency, its importance as a recreational structure on the Fox River cannot be understated. With its historical significance dating back over a century, the dam continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its role in providing leisure activities in the Kane County area of Illinois.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

308

Dam Height

5

River Or Stream

FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

5
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.