West Fork Big Creek Dam B-120 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

West Fork Big Creek Dam B-120, located in Harrison County, Missouri, was completed in 1994 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the West Fork Big Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 32.1 feet and has a structural height of 33 feet, with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a drainage area of 150 acres. The dam, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 34 feet.

Owned by the local government, this dam is not state-regulated and does not have state jurisdiction. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 7 acres and a maximum discharge of 269 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition assessment is not rated and it has not been inspected recently, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are unknown. With its crucial role in flood risk reduction and its strategic location in Bethany, Missouri, West Fork Big Creek Dam B-120 remains an essential structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

32.1

River Or Stream

TR-WEST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.