West Salem New Reservoir Dam
West Salem New Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Edwards County, Illinois, built in 1968. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About West Salem New Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of West Salem New Reservoir Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Village Of West Salem (local government). It impounds the Trib Crooked Creek near Browns.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 765 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 194 acre-feet. Completed in 1968, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. The most recent inspection on record was 07/29/2025.
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Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Edwards |
| Nearest City | Browns |
| River/Stream | Trib Crooked Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.52936, -88.01694 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 765 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 91 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | VILLAGE OF WEST SALEM |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/29/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL00883 |
| Federal ID | IL00883 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |