Sims Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Sims Pond Dam, located in Adams, Illinois, was completed in 1960 and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This private dam on TRIB TOURNEAR CREEK serves multiple purposes, including recreation, with a primary dam type of Earth and a height of 25 feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a maximum storage capacity of 367 acre-feet and a normal storage of 152 acre-feet, Sims Pond Dam provides essential water resource management in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 53 feet and is part of the Rock Island District. Despite a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, with the last inspection conducted in September 2013 at a frequency of every 5 years.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sims Pond Dam offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in water management and recreation in Illinois. With its historical significance, design by the USDA NRCS, and state-regulated operations, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in maintaining water security and environmental sustainability. As efforts continue to assess and manage the risk associated with the dam, it remains a key asset in the region's water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB TOURNEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
367 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bear Creek Near Marcelline
|
5cfs |
North River At Palmyra
|
15cfs |
Bear Creek At Hannibal
|
2cfs |
South Fabius River Near Taylor
|
12cfs |
Salt River Near New London
|
82cfs |
Wyaconda River Above Canton
|
13cfs |
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.
Sims Pond Dam