Billingsley Pond Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Billingsley Pond Dam 3, located in Ripley, Illinois, was completed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along TR- HORNEY BRANCH.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at 33 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet, providing essential protection for the surrounding area. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and undetermined hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Billingsley Pond Dam 3 also serves as a fish and wildlife pond, showcasing its ecological significance. The dam's stone core and soil foundation contribute to its structural integrity, supporting its 375-foot length and 3-acre surface area. While its condition assessment and risk management measures are currently not available, the dam's moderate risk level indicates the need for continued monitoring and potential enhancements to ensure its long-term reliability. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Billingsley Pond Dam 3 presents a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and the intersection of human development with natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR- HORNEY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
La Moine River At Ripley
|
33cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
Illinois River At Valley City
|
2970cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
161cfs |
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
356cfs |
Bay Creek At Pittsfield
|
43cfs |
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.
Billingsley Pond Dam 3