East Fork Big Creek Dam E- 72 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

East Fork Big Creek Dam E-72, located in Harrison, Missouri, was completed in 1988 by the USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction structure along the East Fork Big Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been inspected or assessed for condition, posing potential concerns for its long-term functionality.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, East Fork Big Creek Dam E-72 plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flood damages in the area. Its uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 30 feet, allows for the safe release of excess water during high flow events. Although the dam has not been regulated or inspected by state agencies, its design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to effective water resource management.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, the importance of maintaining and assessing infrastructure like East Fork Big Creek Dam E-72 cannot be understated. Ensuring the safety and functionality of this dam is essential for protecting local communities and water resources from the potential threats of flooding and water scarcity in the future.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

EAST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

99.84

Nid Storage

74

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.