Hickory Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Located in Sangamon, Illinois, the Hickory Hills Lake Dam is a private earth dam that was completed in 1995 and primarily serves the purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 29 feet and a length of 475 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet, providing ample water resources for the surrounding area. The dam overlooks the TRIB SANGAMON RIVER and has a low hazard potential, making it a relatively safe structure.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Hickory Hills Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its age, the dam remains in good condition with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled and has a width of 36 feet, ensuring proper water discharge during periods of high flow. Overall, the Hickory Hills Lake Dam is a vital resource for both water storage and recreational activities in the area, contributing to the sustainable management of water resources and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TRIB SANGAMON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

278

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.