Vancil Pond Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Vancil Pond Dam 1, located in Panama, Illinois, was constructed in 1955 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 250 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres. The dam is situated on TR- Shoal Creek W West Fork and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Vancil Pond Dam 1 poses a moderate risk due to its location and the surrounding environment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in June 2018, with a frequency of inspection marked as 0. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the condition of Vancil Pond Dam 1 to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and wildlife.

As a vital structure for fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, and water storage, Vancil Pond Dam 1 plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. With its association with the USDA NRCS and the low hazard potential, this dam stands as a testament to the balance between human development and environmental conservation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should keep a close eye on the maintenance and condition of Vancil Pond Dam 1 to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the community and ecosystem it serves.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR- SHOAL CREEK W W FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.