Olson Lake Dam, also known as Rock Cut State Park Dam 2, is a state-owned structure in Winnebago, Illinois, designed by Baker Engineering. Completed in 1991, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 1130 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 630 acre-feet. Situated on Willow Creek, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 12 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential, Olson Lake Dam undergoes regular state inspection and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 4588 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 9.4 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Overall, Olson Lake Dam presents a moderate risk level (3) with no available condition assessment data. While the dam meets state regulatory requirements and has emergency response protocols in place, further risk management measures may be needed to enhance its resilience to potential climate-related challenges. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Olson Lake Dam stands as a notable example of infrastructure designed to balance recreational needs with environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.