Charlevoix Drive Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Will County, Illinois, the Charlevoix Drive Dam, also known as Charlevoix Lake Dam, was completed in 2008 by designer M.
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Summary
Gingerich Gereaux. This private-owned Earth dam stands at 7 feet tall and spans 950 feet along Forked Creek, serving primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. With a storage capacity of 312 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2165 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
The Charlevoix Drive Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2016. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have moderate risk, warranting attention to risk management measures. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 62 feet, and it is situated in the city of Wilson Center along the beautiful landscape of Forked Creek. Water and climate enthusiasts would find this dam's design and purpose intriguing, as it contributes to the ecological balance and conservation efforts in the area.
With its unique design features, purposeful construction, and regulatory oversight, the Charlevoix Drive Dam stands as an important infrastructure for water management and wildlife preservation in the region. As a private-owned structure, its role in maintaining the health of Forked Creek and supporting diverse ecosystems highlights the intersection of human intervention and environmental stewardship. For those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate adaptation, the Charlevoix Drive Dam provides a captivating case study of sustainable infrastructure development and management practices in the state of Illinois.
Year Completed |
2008 |
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
FORKED CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
312 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
7 |
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.
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