Bell Pond Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bell Pond Dam 1, located in Montgomery County, Illinois, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.03 square miles. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 14 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 103 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Bell Pond Dam 1 is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Available," indicating a potential need for further evaluation and maintenance. Its risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date not specified, suggesting ongoing monitoring and risk management measures may be necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bell Pond Dam 1 presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership, regulatory oversight, and the intersection of infrastructure with environmental conservation efforts.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SHOAL CREEK E E 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 |
27 |
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.
Bell Pond Dam 1