Briney Lake 2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Briney Lake 2 Dam, also known as Harrison Lake, is a private dam located in Browning, Illinois, within Schuyler County.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 720 feet in length. The primary purpose of Briney Lake 2 Dam is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential water threats.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Briney Lake 2 Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a storage capacity of 491 acre-feet, the dam has a significant hazard potential and falls under a moderate risk category. The spillway of this dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 29 feet, and it is equipped with uncontrolled outlet gates.

Despite its limited data availability in terms of condition assessment and risk management measures, Briney Lake 2 Dam remains an essential infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. Its location along the Tributary of the Illinois River reinforces its importance in maintaining water resources and climate resilience for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TRIB ILLINOIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

491

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.