Cornell Avenue Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Wheeling, Illinois, the Cornell Avenue Dam, also known as the Lake of The Winds Detention Basin Dam, was completed in 1977 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along McDonald Creek.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 8.5 feet with a length of 100 feet, serving to mitigate potential flooding in the area. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its proper functioning.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the Cornell Avenue Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and climate-related risks in Cook County, Illinois. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is crucial for coordinating response efforts and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management and infrastructure maintenance in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

MCDONALD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.