French Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Leo Johnson Lake Dam Upper Sterling
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
French Pond Dam in Whiteside, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 23 feet and with a length of 405 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. The dam, located in Galt-Offstream along TRIB ELKHORN CREEK, is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections.
With a spillway width of 55 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, French Pond Dam has a significant hazard potential, although its risk assessment is considered moderate. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, and emergency action plans have not been prepared. The last inspection was conducted in September 2015, with a recommended inspection frequency of every three years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, French Pond Dam presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human-made infrastructure with natural water systems. Its presence along TRIB ELKHORN CREEK adds to the diverse hydrological landscape of the region. As efforts continue to manage and mitigate risks associated with dams like French Pond, there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
405 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB ELKHORN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rock River At Como
|
3350cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Penrose
|
44cfs |
Mississippi River At Clinton
|
25000cfs |
Rock River Near Joslin
|
4400cfs |
Green River Near Geneseo
|
185cfs |
Big Bureau Creek At Princeton
|
8cfs |
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.
French Pond Dam