Clearwater Pond Dam
Clearwater Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Bureau County, Illinois, built in 1967. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Clearwater Pond Dam
Clearwater Pond Dam is a dam in Bureau, Illinois. The dam is owned by Exxonmobil Corporation (private). It impounds the Trib Negro Creek near Depue.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 680 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 234 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 04/29/2025.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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 | Bureau |
| Nearest City | Depue |
| River/Stream | Trib Negro Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.33514, -89.29509 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 680 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 234 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 234 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 85 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | EXXONMOBIL CORPORATION |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/29/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IL50514 |
| Federal ID | IL50514 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |