Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam

TRIB PANKEY BRANCH· Saline, Illinois· Built 2003· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 2003 and is 23 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 42.6% in IL)
Dam Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage959 acre-ft
Normal Storage465 acre-ft
Surface Area70 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed2003 (23 years old)
NID IDIL50498

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 2, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

CITY OF HARRISBURG

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam?

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam?

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam is owned by CITY OF HARRISBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam built?

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam was completed in 2003, making it 23 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam?

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam?

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam has a dam height of 25 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam last inspected?

Harrisburg-Sahara Retention Impoundment Dam was last inspected on October 2, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.