Rasmussen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rasmussen Lake Dam, also known as Elmwood Farms Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Millburn-Offstream, Illinois.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 600 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 370 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on North Mill Creek, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity and safety.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Rasmussen Lake Dam poses minimal risk to surrounding areas in the event of a failure. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 27 feet, providing a controlled release of water during high flow events to prevent overtopping and potential flooding downstream.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Rasmussen Lake Dam will find it to be a key component in the local recreational landscape, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. While the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness status may need further clarification, its low hazard potential and regulated status indicate a commitment to maintaining its safety and function for both recreational and environmental purposes. The dam's location in Lake County, Illinois, within the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, underscores its importance in managing water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

NORTH MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

370

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.