Nix Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Nix Lake Dam, located in Richland County, Illinois, was completed in 1953 and serves as a recreational water resource for the local community.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 960 feet, with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. Situated on Hurricane Creek-offstream, the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Nix Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 354 feet. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and undergoes inspections every 5 years to assess its safety and functionality.
Nix Lake Dam, designed by the Soil Conservation Service, is a vital water resource in the area, offering recreational opportunities while also ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. With its earth dam construction and buttress core type, the dam contributes to the overall water management system in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks and ensure its continued operation for the benefit of all water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
960 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
HURRICANE CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Nix Lake Dam