French Pond Dam in Whiteside, Illinois, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 23 feet and with a length of 405 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. The dam, located in Galt-Offstream along TRIB ELKHORN CREEK, is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections.

With a spillway width of 55 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, French Pond Dam has a significant hazard potential, although its risk assessment is considered moderate. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, and emergency action plans have not been prepared. The last inspection was conducted in September 2015, with a recommended inspection frequency of every three years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, French Pond Dam presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human-made infrastructure with natural water systems. Its presence along TRIB ELKHORN CREEK adds to the diverse hydrological landscape of the region. As efforts continue to manage and mitigate risks associated with dams like French Pond, there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.