Cherry Valley Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cherry Valley Lower Dam, located in Winnebago, Illinois, serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Madigan Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1993, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 252 feet and is owned by the local government of Cherry Valley. Designed by Infratek Consultants, the Cherry Valley Lower Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 5.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 3000 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is essential for mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities.

Overall, Cherry Valley Lower Dam plays a vital role in the flood risk reduction efforts in Winnebago, Illinois. With its strategic location along the Madigan Creek and state-regulated operations, this earth dam contributes to the efficient management of water resources in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

MADIGAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.5

Drainage Area

5.4

Nid Storage

54

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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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.