Bellm Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Bellm Pond Dam, located in Macoupin, Illinois, is a private recreational dam constructed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 30 feet and a length of 350 feet, serves as a picturesque spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like fishing and boating on the TR- Spanish Needle Creek S. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bellm Pond Dam is considered to have moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam has a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2017. Although emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified, the dam's location and design suggest a focus on recreational purposes and environmental conservation.
Bellm Pond Dam, with its beautiful surroundings and recreational opportunities, is a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Bellm Pond play a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety and stability of the surrounding ecosystem. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, Bellm Pond Dam stands as a symbol of responsible dam ownership and management in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SPANISH NEEDLE CREEK S |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Bellm Pond Dam