Briar Patch Club Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Carmi, Illinois, Briar Patch Club Dam, also known as Briar Patch Club Lake, is a privately owned recreational dam that was completed in 1955.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 15 feet with a length of 740 feet, this earth dam with a buttress core serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities. With a normal storage capacity of 102 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 198 acre-feet, the dam offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Briar Patch Club Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam is subject to regular inspections with a frequency of 5 years to monitor its integrity and functionality, providing assurance to visitors and nearby residents.

The dam, situated in the Trib Pond Creek Drainage Ditch, falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While there are no associated structures or federal agency involvement, Briar Patch Club Dam remains a cherished recreational spot in Wayne County, Illinois, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TRIB POND CREEK DRAINAGE DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

198

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.