Vermont City Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Heller Lake Dam Freshwater Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
The Vermont City Reservoir Dam in Illinois was completed in 1940 and stands at a height of 36 feet, with a length of 500 feet.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, the dam primarily serves as a recreational spot and a water supply source. Situated on the Trib Sugar Creek, the dam's significant hazard potential is monitored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement in place to ensure safety.
Designed by WARREN & VAN PRAAG ENGINEERS, the earth dam features a buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway, with a storage capacity of 704 acre-feet. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, its risk assessment is classified as moderate. The Vermont City Reservoir Dam offers a picturesque location for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the intersection of engineering and nature in a serene setting in McDonough County, Illinois.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SUGAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
704 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spoon River At Seville
|
161cfs |
La Moine River At Ripley
|
33cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
356cfs |
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
146cfs |
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.
Vermont City Reservoir Dam