Finger Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Longs Lake Dam Drake Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Located in Chandlerville, Illinois, Finger Lake Dam, also known simply as Finger Lake, is a privately-owned structure designed by FREEZEN BROS.
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Summary
in 1968. This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 382 feet, with a primary purpose of serving as a fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam is situated on the Little Panther Creek and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a storage capacity of 395 acre-feet, Finger Lake Dam offers recreational opportunities in addition to its primary functions. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 28 feet. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to moderate risk assessment, indicating the need for ongoing management and monitoring. While the condition assessment and emergency action plan details are not available, the dam has been inspected periodically, with the last inspection conducted in September 2013.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Finger Lake Dam can appreciate its role in providing essential services while also offering recreational benefits to the local community. The dam's location in Cass County, Illinois, underlines its significance in managing water resources and supporting ecosystem health in the region. As a part of the Rock Island District, this dam showcases the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and the need for continued risk management practices in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
382 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE PANTHER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
395 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
421cfs |
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
209cfs |
Salt Creek Near Greenview
|
204cfs |
La Moine River At Ripley
|
14cfs |
Spring Creek At Springfield
|
7cfs |
Sangamon River At Riverton
|
125cfs |
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.
Finger Lake Dam