Spring Valley Estates Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Located in Nutwood-Offstream, Illinois, the Spring Valley Estates Lake Dam is a private structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 1955 feet along the Trib South Fork Otter Creek. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 109 acre-feet, making it a vital water resource for the surrounding community.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Spring Valley Estates Lake Dam is state-regulated and routinely inspected for safety and compliance. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, this dam poses minimal danger to the area but requires ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam remains a crucial asset for recreational activities and water storage in Jersey County, Illinois.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, the Spring Valley Estates Lake Dam serves as a valuable resource for residents and climate enthusiasts alike. Its controlled spillway, uncontrolled outlet gates, and moderate risk assessment highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring this structure for the safety and well-being of the surrounding community. The collaborative efforts of private ownership and state regulation ensure the continued functionality and resilience of this essential water resource in Illinois.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
1955 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SOUTH FORK OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
109 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Spring Valley Estates Lake Dam