Chain Lake Water Control Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Chain Lake Water Control Dam, also known as Sanganois Water Control Structure, is a state-owned dam located in Browning, Illinois.
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Summary
Built in 2001 by BENTON & ASSOCIATES, INC., this dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond on the Panther Slough, with a primary purpose of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for aquatic life. The dam has a height of 12 feet, a length of 150 feet, and a storage capacity of 15,000 acre-feet.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Chain Lake Water Control Dam has a controlled spillway type with a width of 16 feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment indicates a very high risk level (1), suggesting potential challenges in managing the dam's operations. The dam's last inspection took place in August 2014, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years.
Overall, the Chain Lake Water Control Dam plays a crucial role in preserving the local ecosystem and supporting wildlife in the area. With its strategic location and design features, this dam serves as a key water resource management infrastructure in Mason County, Illinois, ensuring the sustainable balance of water levels for environmental conservation and recreational purposes.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
PANTHER SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
1150 |
Nid Storage |
15000 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
La Moine River At Ripley
|
33cfs |
Sangamon River Near Oakford
|
356cfs |
Spoon River At Seville
|
161cfs |
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
146cfs |
Salt Creek Near Greenview
|
159cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
17cfs |
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.
Chain Lake Water Control Dam