Arentsen Pond Dam
Arentsen Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Hamilton County, Illinois, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Arentsen Pond Dam
Arentsen Pond Dam is a dam in Hamilton, Illinois. The dam is owned by Kelly And The Colonel, Inc. (private). It impounds the Wheeler Creek near Thackery.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 7,500 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 4,235 acre-feet. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/29/2025.
At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Illinois dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Illinois |
| County | Hamilton |
| Nearest City | Thackery |
| River/Stream | Wheeler Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.06174, -88.49424 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 7,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,235 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,235 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,590 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 14 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | KELLY AND THE COLONEL, INC. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/29/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL50119 |
| Federal ID | IL50119 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |