Kankakee dam
Kankakee
Located in Kankakee, Illinois, the Kankakee River dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations. Built in 1915, this concrete structure serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. Its low hazard potential is complemented by a very high risk assessment ranking, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Kankakee River dam is a key feature in the local landscape. With a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet, this gravity dam spans 440 feet in length and provides a storage capacity of 2400 acre-feet. The controlled spillway, measuring 440 feet in width, ensures effective water release during periods of high flow, contributing to flood control efforts in the region.
As a recreational hub and vital water management structure, the Kankakee River dam serves as a focal point for environmental stewardship and public enjoyment. While its condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's historical significance and ongoing operational relevance underscore the need for continued investment in its upkeep and safety. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates alike can appreciate the complex interplay of infrastructure, regulation, and natural forces embodied by the Kankakee River dam.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Kankakee -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Iroquois River Near Chebanse | 728 cfs | → |
| Kankakee River At Momence | 2,360 cfs | → |
| Kankakee River Near Wilmington | 3,390 cfs | → |
| Iroquois River At Iroquois | 281 cfs | → |
| Kankakee River At Shelby | 1,840 cfs | → |
| Mazon River Near Coal City | 185 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Kankakee .
Boat launches
- Cobb Boulevard Kankakee
- County Road E 1800 North 3102-3264, Momence
- Essex Road Will County
- West 5000n Road Grundy County
Campgrounds
- Davis Creek Group Camp
- Kankakee River State Park
- Desplaines Conservational Park
- Des Plaines State Conservation Area
Fishing spots
Track Kankakee in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Kankakee
Where does the data for Kankakee come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Kankakee .