Barkhausen Refuge Dam dam
Barkhausen Refuge Dam
Barkhausen Refuge Dam, also known as Barkhausen/White Levee, is a state-owned structure located in Mason County, Illinois. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), this earth-type dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond along the Sangamon River. With a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 10,957 feet, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 522 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 174 acres within a drainage area of 0.27 square miles.
Constructed by HDR-CWI Inc., the dam features a stone core and soil foundation, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 350 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the structure has a moderate risk assessment rating. While the last inspection occurred in 2014, the dam is subject to regular state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity. The surrounding area offers a haven for wildlife and is popular among water resource and climate enthusiasts for its ecological significance and scenic beauty.
As a vital component of the local ecosystem, Barkhausen Refuge Dam plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and providing habitats for various species. Its strategic location and purpose contribute to the conservation efforts in the region, making it a key site for both environmental protection and recreational activities. With its unique characteristics and significance, this dam serves as a noteworthy example of sustainable water resource management and stewardship in Illinois.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Barkhausen Refuge Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sangamon River Near Oakford | 3,260 cfs | → |
| La Moine River At Ripley | 917 cfs | → |
| Sangamon River At Petersburg | 2,120 cfs | → |
| Spoon River At Seville | 821 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek Near Greenview | 987 cfs | → |
| Illinois River At Valley City | 27,800 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Barkhausen Refuge Dam.
Boat launches
- Gurney Road Cass County
- County Highway 11 Cass County
- Gridley Road Cass County
- West Jefferson Street 598, Havana
Track Barkhausen Refuge Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Barkhausen Refuge Dam
Where does the data for Barkhausen Refuge Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Barkhausen Refuge Dam.