Godfrey Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Godfrey Pond Dam, located in Godfrey, Illinois, on the Rocky Fork stream, is a private recreational structure with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities such as fishing and boating.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 194 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway type and limited outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4,294 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, its hazard potential underscores the importance of proper risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats to downstream communities and the environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Godfrey Pond Dam an intriguing case study in balancing recreational benefits with the need for effective dam safety protocols in Illinois.
With a history dating back over a century, Godfrey Pond Dam continues to be a focal point for outdoor recreation in Madison County, Illinois. Its unique design as a buttress dam and the presence of uncontrolled spillways add to the complexity of managing the dam's operations and safety. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure resilience, monitoring and maintaining structures like Godfrey Pond Dam become even more critical to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainability of water supply systems. This dam serves as a reminder of the interplay between human activities, natural resources, and the need for proactive risk management in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
ROCKY FORK |
Surface Area |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
194 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Godfrey Pond Dam
Mc Adams Highway Jersey County