Ostermeir Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Ostermeir Pond Dam, located in Christian County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1970.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 243 feet in length, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities at Ostermeir Pond. The dam is situated on the South Fork Sangamon River, within the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ostermeir Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The dam's spillway, with a width of 25 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, with a total storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk.
While the condition assessment of Ostermeir Pond Dam is not available, it is important to note that the dam has not been modified in recent years. The last inspection took place in October 2007, with a frequency of every 5 years. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated, and the risk management measures are not specified. Overall, Ostermeir Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight and risk assessment for maintaining the safety and functionality of dams.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
243 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK SANGAMON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Ostermeir Pond Dam