West Fork Big Creek Dam B-156 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Dam B-156, located in Harrison, Missouri, was completed in 1998 by the USDA NRCS with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Poor Tom Branch.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at 32 feet high and spans 530 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a drainage area of 423 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment indicates the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, West Fork Big Creek Dam B-156 has an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, reflecting a design focused primarily on flood control. The dam's condition is currently not rated, suggesting a need for further assessment and potential improvements to ensure its long-term reliability. While the dam has not been inspected recently, its location in a relatively low-risk area and its moderate hazard potential indicate the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness for potential emergencies in the future. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find West Fork Big Creek Dam B-156 to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to address flood risks in a specific geographic context.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
POOR TOM BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
423 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
West Fork Big Creek Dam B-156