New Cherry Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Duquoin Dam Red Hawk Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
New Cherry Lake Dam, located in Perry County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure managed by the New Cherry Lake Club, Inc.
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Summary
The dam was completed in 1969 and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 340 feet, the dam impounds the waters of Reese Creek, creating a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet.
Despite its relatively modest size, New Cherry Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as high risk. Regular inspections by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ensure that the dam meets safety standards, with the last inspection conducted in August 2020. While the dam does not have a spillway, its earth and buttress construction design reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure. For those interested in water resource management and climate adaptation, New Cherry Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in private ownership and regulation of a recreational water resource in the heart of Illinois.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
REESE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
New Cherry Lake Dam