Hambaugh-Martin 2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

The Hambaugh-Martin 2 Dam, located in Illinois along the TRIB ILLINOIS RIVER, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in the area.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans a length of 380 feet, with a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the IDNR, ensuring its safety and functionality in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood hazards.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Hambaugh-Martin 2 Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with regular inspections conducted every three years to assess its condition and effectiveness in flood control. Despite limited information on its current condition assessment, the dam's history of operation and maintenance by the USDA NRCS highlights its continuous commitment to safeguarding the local area from potential flooding events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Hambaugh-Martin 2 Dam presents an intriguing case study of private ownership and state regulation in flood risk reduction infrastructure. Its location in Brown County, Illinois, under the jurisdiction of the IL state regulatory agency, showcases the collaborative efforts between government agencies and private entities in managing water resources and mitigating climate-related risks. As a key component of the local flood control system, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities against natural disasters and preserving the ecological balance of the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TRIB ILLINOIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

63

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.