West Fork Big Creek Dam P- 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

West Fork Big Creek Dam P- 8, located in Bridgeport, Missouri, was completed in 2002 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the Polecat River.


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Summary

The earth-type dam stands at a height of 28 feet, with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 430 feet. It has a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a drainage area of 380 acres, with a maximum discharge rate of 154.2 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, West Fork Big Creek Dam P- 8 is not currently regulated, inspected, or enforced by state agencies. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet and does not have any outlet gates. While its condition assessment is not rated, the dam has not been modified since its completion and has a surface area of 6 acres. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this dam's design and purpose of interest, as it plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

POLECAT

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

380

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.