Braun Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Benson Pond Dam 1 Browns Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Braun Pond Dam in Petersburgh, Illinois, is a private earth dam completed in 1952 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Situated on the Richland Creek-offstream, this dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 495 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Braun Pond Dam is a crucial structure for fire protection and recreational purposes in Sangamon County, Illinois. Its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates pose potential risks, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam's last inspection in July 2015 revealed a need for a three-year inspection frequency to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
As a water resource and climate enthusiast, Braun Pond Dam offers a fascinating study in dam design and management, showcasing the intersection of human-made structures with natural ecosystems. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
RICHLAND CREEK-OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
131 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
209cfs |
Spring Creek At Springfield
|
7cfs |
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
421cfs |
Salt Creek Near Greenview
|
204cfs |
Sangamon River At Riverton
|
125cfs |
South Fork Sangamon River Nr Rochester
|
11cfs |
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.
Braun Pond Dam