Taphorn Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Taphorn Pond Dam, located in Randolph, Illinois, is a private-owned earth dam constructed in 1967 by designer Armin Rheinhart.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 215 feet, with a primary purpose of recreation. With a normal storage capacity of 41 acre-feet, the dam poses a low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on TRIB PLUM CREEK, Taphorn Pond Dam serves as a popular recreational spot in Evansville, Illinois, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 12 feet. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to a regular inspection frequency of 5 years to assess its condition and address any potential risks. Despite its age, Taphorn Pond Dam continues to offer a safe and enjoyable environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
As one of the many dams within the St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Taphorn Pond Dam contributes to the management of water resources in the region. The dam has a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and is capable of handling moderate discharge levels. While the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment indicate that it is well-maintained and poses minimal risk to surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Taphorn Pond Dam offers a fascinating example of how infrastructure can support both recreational activities and environmental conservation efforts in the state of Illinois.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB PLUM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
|
431cfs |
Richland Creek Near Hecker
|
15cfs |
Mississippi River At Chester
|
83100cfs |
Silver Creek Near Freeburg
|
54cfs |
Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station
|
219cfs |
South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville
|
10cfs |
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.
Taphorn Pond Dam