Fitzgerald Lake Dam East, located in Jo Daviess, Illinois, is a private earth dam completed in 1965, with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

While the hazard potential of Fitzgerald Lake Dam East is rated as low, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3 out of 5). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 13 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in May 2017, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. Despite the condition assessment not being available, the dam is considered to be in a moderate risk management category, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fitzgerald Lake Dam East serves as a vital structure for fire protection, irrigation, and recreational purposes in the Blackhawk-Offstream area. With its location on the Rush Creek tributary, the dam plays a key role in managing water resources and supporting the local ecosystem. As a privately owned dam, it is essential for the owners and regulatory agencies to collaborate on maintaining its safety and functionality for the benefit of the community and the environment.