Hambaugh-Martin 6 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Hambaugh-Martin 6 Dam, located in Meredosia, Illinois, was completed in 1959 and serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Illinois River tributary.


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Summary

Owned privately and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 200 feet. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks in the region, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, contributing to its overall flood risk reduction capabilities. Despite its age, Hambaugh-Martin 6 Dam remains in good condition and is inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's location in Brown County, Illinois, and its low hazard potential make it a key asset in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hambaugh-Martin 6 Dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security in the face of changing climate conditions. With its primary purpose focused on flood risk reduction, this privately-owned dam serves as a critical piece of the puzzle in Illinois' water management strategy. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the role of dams like Hambaugh-Martin 6 in enhancing resilience and protecting communities becomes increasingly vital.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TRIB ILLINOIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

54

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.