Dellitt Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Dellitt Lake Dam, located in Mercer County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 197 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 45 feet, the dam poses a low hazard potential but is subject to moderate risk, as assessed by the state regulatory agency, IDNR.

Despite being primarily used for recreation, Dellitt Lake Dam is also regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Illinois, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, and its last inspection was conducted in July 2015. Emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not documented, suggesting potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness. Overall, Dellitt Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts in the region, showcasing the intersection of human-made infrastructure and natural water systems.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

197

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TRIB POPE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

51

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.