Big Creek-Hurricane Creek M- 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Big Creek-Hurricane Creek M-8 is a local government-owned Earth dam located in Carroll, Missouri, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1996 by USDA NRCS designers, this dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet, with a structural height of 30 feet. It has a length of 510 feet and can hold a maximum storage capacity of 121 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet over a surface area of 3.9 acres. The dam serves to protect the surrounding area from flooding events, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Situated on TR-Big Creek, this dam is part of the Rock Island District and is not regulated by the state of Missouri. Although it has not been inspected or rated for its condition, the dam is considered to meet guidelines for emergency action plans. With a maximum discharge capacity of 270 cubic feet per second, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet. Despite its lack of state regulation, this dam plays a crucial role in managing flood risk in the region and demonstrates effective flood risk reduction measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Creek-Hurricane Creek M-8 offers an intriguing case study of a locally-owned flood risk reduction structure in Missouri. With its Earth construction and stone core, this dam showcases the importance of proactive measures in protecting communities from potential inundation. While its condition assessment is not rated, the dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment highlight its role in safeguarding the area against flooding events. Overall, this dam serves as a notable example of how infrastructure can contribute to water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.9

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

110.08

Nid Storage

121

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.