Merle Whiteside Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Paul Lake Dam Little Swan Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Merle Whiteside Pond Dam, located in Avon, Illinois, was completed in 1976 and is primarily used for Fish and Wildlife Pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, is an Earth type structure with a height of 27 feet and a length of 350 feet. It has a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, serving as a vital habitat for local flora and fauna.
Managed by a private owner, Merle Whiteside Pond Dam poses a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, with a width of 19 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam is monitored for safety with an inspection frequency of 0. The dam is situated on the Big Negro River, within the jurisdiction of Warren County, Illinois, and offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Despite being a private structure, Merle Whiteside Pond Dam plays a crucial role in supporting the ecosystem and providing recreational benefits in the region. With its strategic location and design, the dam contributes to water resource management and conservation efforts along the Big Negro River. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Merle Whiteside Pond Dam is essential for promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding our natural environment for future generations.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
Big Negro |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spoon River At London Mills
|
86cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
143cfs |
Henderson Creek Near Oquawka
|
45cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
406cfs |
Pope Creek Near Keithsburg
|
25cfs |
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.
Merle Whiteside Pond Dam