West Fork Big Creek Dam P- 9 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

West Fork Big Creek Dam P- 9, located in Harrison, Missouri, is a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2001.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth-type dam stands at 27 feet tall, with a structural height of 28 feet and a length of 450 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 103 acre-feet to mitigate flooding in the region. The dam is situated on the Polecat-OS river or stream, within the Rock Island District and under the ownership of the local government.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, West Fork Big Creek Dam P- 9 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood events. Despite being not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. Additionally, the dam does not fall under state regulation or permitting, indicating a streamlined operation for managing water resources in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the essential role this dam plays in safeguarding the community from flooding while also contributing to the overall resilience of the watershed.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

POLECAT-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

340

Nid Storage

103

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.