North Aurora Dam
North Aurora Dam is a gravity dam located in Kane County, Illinois, built in 1974. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About North Aurora Dam
The primary purpose of North Aurora Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Fox Valley Park District (local government). It impounds the Fox River near North Aurora.
The dam stands 6 feet tall and stretches 375 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 159 acre-feet. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. The most recent inspection on record was 12/10/2024.
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Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Kane |
| Nearest City | North Aurora |
| River/Stream | Fox River |
| Coordinates | 41.80718, -88.32435 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Length | 375 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 159 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 159 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 159 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | FOX VALLEY PARK DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 12/10/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL00917 |
| Federal ID | IL00917 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |