Lake Windermere Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lake Windermere Dam, located in Charleston, Illinois, was completed in 1974 by COUNTRY VILLAGE INC.
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Summary
It serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 28 feet with a length of 295 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 59 acre-feet.
Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes inspections every 5 years. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is considered moderate. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks or lock structures.
Lake Windermere Dam poses minimal risks to the surrounding area, but its moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the dam and the recreational activities it supports. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Lake Windermere Dam as an essential piece of infrastructure in Illinois that provides both recreational opportunities and a critical source of water storage for the local community.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
295 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB KICKAPOO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
81 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Lake Windermere Dam