Heitmans Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Heitmans Pond Dam, located in St.


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Summary

Clair County, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS. The dam, with a height of 30 feet and a length of 225 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 14 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 223 acre-feet. Situated on the TRIB NEGRO HOLLOW stream, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Heitmans Pond Dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 625 cubic feet per second. Despite the lack of a condition assessment, the dam's emergency action plan status and adherence to guidelines remain undisclosed. The dam's risk management measures and inundation maps preparation status also require further clarification for effective emergency response and mitigation strategies in case of potential flooding events.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Heitmans Pond Dam as a vital recreational infrastructure in the region, contributing to water storage and flood control efforts. The dam's association with the USDA NRCS and its regulatory oversight by the IDNR highlight the collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and functionality of the structure. As discussions on climate change and water resource management continue to evolve, understanding the role of dams like Heitmans Pond in the broader context of ecosystem health and resilience becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable development and adaptation strategies.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TRIB NEGRO HOLLOW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

223

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.