Wahelo Pond Dam dam
Wahelo Pond Dam
Located in Tazewell, Illinois, the Wahelo Pond Dam stands as a testament to water resource management and climate adaptation efforts. Built in 1959, this private-owned structure serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene escape for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. With a dam height of 43 feet and a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, Wahelo Pond Dam not only provides a recreational oasis but also helps to regulate water flow in the Trib Lick Creek.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Wahelo Pond Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, reflecting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam's last inspection in 2013 indicated a relatively low level of risk associated with the structure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricacies of dam infrastructure in Illinois, Wahelo Pond Dam stands out as a symbol of responsible stewardship and recreational enjoyment. With its earth dam design and uncontrolled spillway, this structure embodies the delicate balance between human intervention and natural ecosystems. As efforts continue to mitigate risks and enhance safety measures, Wahelo Pond Dam remains a key landmark in the conservation and management of water resources in the region.
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 Wahelo Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Fondulac Creek Near East Peoria | 10 cfs | → |
| Farm Creek At Farmdale | 10 cfs | → |
| Illinois River At Kingston Mines | 9,660 cfs | → |
| Mackinaw River Near Green Valley | 414 cfs | → |
| Mackinaw River Near Congerville | 283 cfs | → |
| Sugar Creek Near Bloomington | 163 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wahelo Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- Mendenhall Park
- Spring Lake Road Tazewell County
- Lakeview Drive 1717, Eureka
- Sebree Road Fulton County
- West Pine Street 1, Chillicothe
- Lakeland Park Road 26005, Canton
Track Wahelo Pond 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 Wahelo Pond Dam
Where does the data for Wahelo Pond 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 Wahelo Pond Dam.