East Fork Big Creek Dam A- 38 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

East Fork Big Creek Dam A-38, located in Harrison County, Missouri, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1963 for grade stabilization along the East Fork Big Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 480 feet. With a storage capacity of 142 acre-feet and a drainage area of 70.4 square miles, the dam serves the primary purpose of grade stabilization.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With no outlet gates and no associated structures, East Fork Big Creek Dam A-38 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region while also contributing to climate resilience efforts.

As an essential infrastructure for water management in the area, East Fork Big Creek Dam A-38 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies like the USDA NRCS. With its strategic location and design, the dam not only aids in grade stabilization but also provides critical flood control measures for the surrounding area. Its presence underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-EAST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

70.4

Nid Storage

142

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.