Norris City Reservoir Dam

INDIAN CREEK· White, Illinois· Built 1937· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Norris City Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 28.2% in IL)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage428 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge4,409 cfs
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDIL00581

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 2, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF NORRIS CITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Norris City Reservoir Dam?

Norris City Reservoir Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Norris City Reservoir Dam?

Norris City Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF NORRIS CITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Norris City Reservoir Dam built?

Norris City Reservoir Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Norris City Reservoir Dam?

Norris City Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Norris City Reservoir Dam?

Norris City Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Norris City Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Norris City Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.