Marissa Recreation Association South Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
The Marissa Recreation Association South Lake Dam, located in St.
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Summary
Clair County, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1954. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 540 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a storage capacity of 313 acre-feet and a surface area of 21 acres. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
This significant dam on the TRIB MUD CREEK tributary features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 85 feet and a maximum discharge of 230 cubic feet per second. Although its hazard potential is categorized as significant, the risk assessment deems it moderate. The dam's condition assessment is not available, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared. The Marissa Recreation Association South Lake Dam stands as a vital structure for water resource management and climate resilience in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its functionality for the surrounding community.
As a key component of the Marissa Recreation Association South Lake, this dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also ensuring water storage and management for the region. With its historic significance and structural design, the dam represents a blend of natural resource conservation and public enjoyment. The ongoing regulatory oversight and inspection processes contribute to the dam's operational efficiency and safety, showcasing a commitment to sustainable water resource management and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB MUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
313 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
|
431cfs |
Silver Creek Near Freeburg
|
54cfs |
Richland Creek Near Hecker
|
15cfs |
Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station
|
219cfs |
Little Crooked Creek Near New Minden
|
2cfs |
Mississippi River At Chester
|
83100cfs |
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 South Lake Dam