Christopher New Reservoir Dam dam
Christopher New Reservoir Dam
Located in Elkville, Illinois, the Christopher New Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. Owned and regulated by the local government, this earth dam was completed in 1923 for the primary purpose of recreation. With a height of 19 feet and a length of 640 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 358 acre-feet, offering a tranquil oasis for water enthusiasts and wildlife alike.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Christopher New Reservoir Dam boasts a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam has withstood the test of time, undergoing regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates further demonstrate its commitment to efficient water management and environmental protection.
Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Franklin County, the Christopher New Reservoir Dam serves as a vital link between water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact our planet, this dam stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure in safeguarding our water supply for future generations. Whether for recreational enjoyment or ecological conservation, the Christopher New Reservoir Dam remains a symbol of innovation and sustainability in the heart of Illinois.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Christopher New Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Muddy River At Plumfield | 516 cfs | → |
| Rayse Creek Near Waltonville | 3 cfs | → |
| Big Muddy River At Rte 127 At Murphysboro | 6,090 cfs | → |
| Crab Orchard Creek Near Marion | 4 cfs | → |
| Casey Fork At Mount Vernon | 4 cfs | → |
| Little Crooked Creek Near New Minden | 6 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Christopher New Reservoir Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Christopher New Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for Christopher New Reservoir Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.