Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam in Illinois, completed in 2003 by BROWN & ROBERTS, INC., serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the TRIB PANKEY BRANCH stream.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and spans 1200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 959 acre-feet to manage excess water during times of high discharge. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Owned by the local government and located in Saline County, Illinois, the Harrisburg-Sahara Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Its primary purpose is to reduce the risk of flood damage and safeguard the community against water-related disasters. Despite its remote location, the dam's impact on the region's water resource management cannot be understated, as it provides essential flood control measures and helps maintain a stable environment for both residents and wildlife.
With a normal storage capacity of 465 acre-feet and a surface area of 70 acres, the Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam plays a key role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, structures like this become increasingly important in safeguarding communities against the threat of flooding and ensuring sustainable water resource management for future generations.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB PANKEY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Drainage Area |
0.72 |
Nid Storage |
959 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam
River Runs
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Wallace Cemetery Approx 2.5 Miles Nw Of Herod, Il To Confluence With Ohio River At Golconda Jobs Corp Center
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Source, About 2 Miles East Of Delwood, Il (Sec 10, T11S, R6E) To Bridge At Eddyville Blacktop (Se1/4,Sec.16,T12S, R6E)
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1 Minle Southwest Of Delwood, Il (Sec. 18, T11S, R13E) To Reesville, 1/4 Mile South Of The Confluence With Sugar Creek