Buffalo Drive Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Buffalo Drive Dam, located in Sangamon County, Illinois, serves as a crucial water resource for the area, particularly for fish and wildlife pond purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1950 by MARTIN ENGINEERING CO. and OWR, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 280 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 14 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 16 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 249 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Buffalo Drive Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every three years to assess its condition and mitigate any potential risks. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, efforts are made to ensure that the dam meets safety guidelines and emergency action plans are in place should the need arise.
Buffalo Drive Dam, situated along TRIB SPRING CREEK, plays a critical role in maintaining the local ecosystem and providing essential water resources for wildlife and recreational activities in the area. With its sturdy buttress core design and state-permitted operation, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices in Illinois, safeguarding the surrounding environment and enhancing water security for the community.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.98 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
14 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek At Springfield
|
7cfs |
Sangamon River At Riverton
|
125cfs |
South Fork Sangamon River Nr Rochester
|
11cfs |
Sangamon River At Petersburg
|
209cfs |
Lake Fork Near Cornland
|
17cfs |
Salt Creek Near Greenview
|
204cfs |
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.
Buffalo Drive Dam