Ettlebrick Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Ettlebrick Lake Dam, located in Newton, Illinois, is a private-owned structure built in 1900 by the Penn Central Railroad.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 670 feet, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities at Ettlebrick Lake. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a spillway width of 15 feet, Ettlebrick Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential, yet is classified as having a moderate risk level. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently unavailable, it is subject to regular inspection every three years to assess its structural integrity. The dam is situated on Range Creek-offstream and is part of the Louisville District, with no associated federal agency ownership or funding.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ettlebrick Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for recreational activities in Cumberland County, Illinois. Its historical significance, coupled with its ongoing management and maintenance, highlights the importance of sound infrastructure to support water management and conservation efforts in the region. As a private-owned dam with state jurisdiction, Ettlebrick Lake Dam showcases the collaborative efforts between private entities and governmental agencies to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources for both present and future generations.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

RANGE CREEK-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

90

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.