Smallpox Creek Dam
Smallpox Creek Dam is a rockfill dam located in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Smallpox Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Smallpox Creek Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Galena Territory Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the Smallpox Creek near Savanna.
The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 1,100 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 6,500 acre-feet. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/18/2024.
At 60 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Illinois dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Jo Daviess |
| Nearest City | Savanna |
| River/Stream | Smallpox Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.40014, -90.35019 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,208 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 23,070 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | GALENA TERRITORY ASSOCIATION, INC. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 09/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL01003 |
| Federal ID | IL01003 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |