Bay Creek #8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bay Creek #8 is a federal-owned earth dam located in Pope County, Illinois, with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Constructed in 1977 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 49 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 633 acre-feet and a normal storage volume of 633 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Bay Creek #8 is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections by the Forest Service and NRCS.

Managed by the Forest Service and NRCS, Bay Creek #8 features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and a structural height of 59 feet. The dam has a length of 780 feet and covers a surface area of 90 acres along Bay Creek. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is considered to be in moderate risk based on the provided data. With a history of federal funding and construction, Bay Creek #8 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and ensuring the safety of nearby communities and infrastructure.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

780

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

BAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

633

Structural Height

59

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

59
       
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.