East Fork Big Creek Site E-97 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

East Fork Big Creek Site E-97 Dam, located in Harrison County, Missouri, was completed in 1986 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet, with a hydraulic height and structural height of 35 and 37 feet respectively. With a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet, it serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Situated on the TR-East Fork Big Creek, this dam covers a drainage area of 230 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 160 cubic feet per second. The spillway, uncontrolled in nature, spans 40 feet wide. The dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," with no recent inspection data available. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring the safety of the local community in Bethany, Missouri.

Despite its low hazard potential, the East Fork Big Creek Site E-97 Dam remains an essential structure for flood risk reduction in the region. As climate change brings about more extreme weather events, the importance of such infrastructure in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of flooding cannot be overstated. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources efficiently while adapting to the changing climate conditions in the area.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-EAST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

230

Nid Storage

103

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.