Norris Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Located in Henderson, Illinois, Norris Lake Dam is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1948, this earth dam stands at 21 feet high and spans 348 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While it has a significant hazard potential, its risk assessment is moderate. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Norris Lake Dam is currently not available, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance efforts to prevent any potential risks to the surrounding area and ensure the safety of water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Norris Lake Dam serves as both a recreational destination and a vital infrastructure element in the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
348 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SOUTH HENDERSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Henderson Creek Near Oquawka
|
68cfs |
Pope Creek Near Keithsburg
|
35cfs |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
477cfs |
Edwards River Near New Boston
|
59cfs |
Iowa River At Wapello
|
3790cfs |
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
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.
Norris Lake Dam