Colette Highlands Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Colette Highlands Dam, located in Orland Park, Illinois, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by Edmund M Burke Engineering for flood risk reduction along the Trib Marley Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.

The dam, owned by the local government, serves as a crucial asset in managing water resources and mitigating flooding in the area. While its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, the dam also plays a role in controlling water flow and protecting downstream communities from potential inundation. With a moderate risk assessment rating and regular inspections, Colette Highlands Dam remains a key component in the region's water resource management strategy.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of infrastructure like Colette Highlands Dam is essential in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events. By recognizing the role of dams in flood control and water management, we can work towards sustainable solutions that promote resilience and adaptation in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TRIB MARLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.74

Nid Storage

84

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.