East Fork Big Creek Dam Z- 12 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
East Fork Big Creek Dam Z-12, located in BETHANY, Missouri, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the East Fork Big Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1988, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a structural height of 24 feet, with a length of 545 feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area by providing a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 12 acre-feet.
This dam, with a spillway width of 20 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, plays a significant role in managing water flow during heavy rain events. The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction aligns with its design as an earth dam with a stone core and soil foundation. With no state regulation or inspection required, the East Fork Big Creek Dam Z-12 ensures the safety and security of the community it serves, while also contributing to the overall water resource management in the region.
As a part of the Rock Island District and owned by the local government, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between federal and local agencies in maintaining critical infrastructure for water resource management. With its strategic location and design, East Fork Big Creek Dam Z-12 stands as a testament to the importance of proactive flood risk reduction measures in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
545 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FORK BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
19.2 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
East Fork Big Creek Dam Z- 12