Marissa Recreation Association North Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Located in St.
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Summary
Clair County, Illinois, the Marissa Recreation Association North Lake Dam is a privately owned earth dam built in 1954 for recreational purposes. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this dam on the tributary Mud Creek boasts a height of 27 feet and a length of 635 feet, providing a storage capacity of 256 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, this dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, making it a crucial structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor.
The Marissa Recreation Association North Lake Dam offers a serene 14-acre surface area for recreational activities, while also serving as a vital water management infrastructure for the surrounding area. Despite its condition assessment not being available, the dam undergoes regular inspections every three years to ensure its safety and structural integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 728 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water regulation in the region.
Managed by the USDA NRCS and nestled within the lush landscapes of New Athens, this dam is a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for public enjoyment and environmental protection. As water resources become increasingly scarce and climate change impacts intensify, the Marissa Recreation Association North Lake Dam stands as a symbol of sustainable water management practices and the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
635 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB MUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
256 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
|
1200cfs |
Silver Creek Near Freeburg
|
152cfs |
Richland Creek Near Hecker
|
12cfs |
Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station
|
1060cfs |
Little Crooked Creek Near New Minden
|
2cfs |
Mississippi River At Chester
|
111000cfs |
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.
Marissa Recreation Association North Lake Dam