Lake Galena Sed Pond 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Galena Sed Pond 1 Dam, located in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, stands as a vital structure for debris control along Small Pox Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1989 with a height of 25 feet, this earth dam serves to mitigate the risk of potential hazards with a low hazard potential rating. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding area. The spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, has a width of 28 feet to handle maximum discharges of up to 5259 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition assessment is not currently available, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its functionality and safety standards.

As a key component of the local water resource infrastructure, Lake Galena Sed Pond 1 Dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and engineering designers. While its primary purpose is debris control, the dam's role in water management and risk mitigation underscores the critical importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to protect both property and lives in the face of potential natural disasters.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

SMALL POX CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

114

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.