Alton-Wood River Sportsmens Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
The Alton-Wood River Sportsmens Reservoir Dam, located in Wood River, Illinois, is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1948, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 480 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 119 acre-feet of water from the TRIB COAL BRANCH CREEK. With a surface area of 11 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
This dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. The dam does not have any associated locks, but it undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2020. The State of Illinois regulates, inspects, and enforces the operation of the dam, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as "Not Available," highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for nearby communities and the environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Alton-Wood River Sportsmens Reservoir Dam serves as a key recreational feature in Madison County, Illinois. Its historical significance, combined with its unique design and operational features, make it an essential part of the local landscape. As discussions around water management and dam safety continue to evolve, understanding the role of dams like this one in supporting both human activities and ecological systems is crucial for sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB COAL BRANCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Alton-Wood River Sportsmens Reservoir Dam
Riverlands Way West Alton