Red Hawk Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Red Hawk Dam, also known as Elks Reservoir, is a privately owned structure situated in Perry County, Illinois, along Panther Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 510 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet, providing a serene and scenic environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Red Hawk Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The risk assessment for this structure is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Though its condition assessment is currently unavailable, Red Hawk Dam continues to serve as a recreational oasis in the heart of Vergennes, Illinois. With its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings, this dam is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human infrastructure and natural beauty in the water resource and climate conservation landscape.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
PANTHER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Red Hawk Dam