Wenzel Pond Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
Wenzel Pond Dam 1, located in Edwardsville, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 390 feet, with a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is classified as 'Other', and it serves as a crucial structure for water resource management in the area. The dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite its low hazard potential, Wenzel Pond Dam 1 poses a moderate risk, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 312 cubic feet per second. The surrounding drainage area is 0.09 square miles, and the dam is situated on TR- BIG BRANCH CREEK N. While the condition assessment is currently listed as 'Not Available', the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are also unspecified, highlighting the need for further evaluation and preparedness in the event of any unforeseen emergencies.
Overall, Wenzel Pond Dam 1 serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Macoupin County, Illinois, contributing to flood control and water storage in the region. Its design by the USDA NRCS and state regulation ensure its compliance with safety standards, although there is room for improvement in terms of risk assessment and emergency preparedness. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wenzel Pond Dam 1 presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management in the Midwest.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BIG BRANCH CREEK N |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
47 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Wenzel Pond Dam 1