Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam

OPOSSUM CREEK· Perry, Illinois· Built 1953· Earth· 45 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 88% in IL)
Dam Length920 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage6.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.9K acre-ft
Surface Area202 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge6,371 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDIL00537

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 12, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF PINCKNEYVILLE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam?

Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam?

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

When was Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam built?

Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam?

Pinckneyville 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 Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam?

Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Pinckneyville Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 12, 2023. 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.