Hecks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cartter Pond Dam Lakewood Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hecks Lake Dam, located in Marion, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans a length of 375 feet, providing a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet. The dam sits on the South Creek-offstream and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its safety.
With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Hecks Lake Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates for water management. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, but it undergoes inspections every three years. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan status and readiness for flood inundation maps are not specified, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and risk management measures for this recreational structure.
Overall, Hecks Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for water conservation and recreational activities in the region, under the supervision of private ownership and state regulatory agencies. Its historical significance and environmental impact underscore the need for ongoing maintenance and safety protocols to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and natural habitats. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hecks Lake Dam remains an essential infrastructure for both leisure and environmental stewardship in Illinois.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
234 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Hecks Lake Dam