Dixon Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dixon, located in Lee County, Illinois, is home to a Rockfill dam on Rock Creek that was completed in 1924 for hydroelectric and recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by a public utility, the dam stands at 16 feet in height with a spillway width of 610 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 2576 acre-feet and a drainage area of 8655 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in water resource management in the area.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees the regulatory aspects of the dam's operation, including inspections and enforcement. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is deemed to have a moderate risk level. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in December 2019, and regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and integrity. Dixon's dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for both energy production and recreational activities in the region.
With its historical significance dating back almost a century, the Dixon dam continues to be a key player in water resource management in Illinois. As climate change impacts water availability and usage patterns, the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region cannot be overstated. The collaboration between state and federal agencies ensures the continued safe operation of the dam, while also emphasizing the need for proactive risk assessment and management strategies to address potential challenges in the future.
Year Completed |
1924 |
Dam Length |
860 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Rock Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
800 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
8655 |
Nid Storage |
2576 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elkhorn Creek Near Penrose
|
44cfs |
Rock River At Como
|
3350cfs |
Rock River At Byron
|
4300cfs |
Pecatonica River At Freeport
|
723cfs |
Big Bureau Creek At Princeton
|
8cfs |
Kishwaukee River Near Perryville
|
275cfs |
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.
Dixon