Swearington Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dellitt Lake Dam Irwin Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Swearington Lake Dam, located in Mercer County, Illinois, was completed in 1973 and is owned by a private entity.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 39 feet and a length of 260 feet, serves multiple purposes including recreation and water resource management. It is primarily an earth dam with a buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway, providing a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a normal storage of 66 acre-feet.
Managed by the USDA NRCS, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Swearington Lake Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water conservation efforts in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in safeguarding our water resources and infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
260 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB POPE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Swearington Lake Dam