West Fork Big Creek Dam B-161 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

West Fork Big Creek Dam B-161, located in Pattonsburg, Missouri, is a key flood risk reduction infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in the year 2000.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 639 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the West Fork Big Creek. The dam has a storage capacity of 61.9 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 12.6 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10 acres and draining an area of 248 square miles.

Although the dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently regulated by the state, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's spillway, with a width of 20 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are other controlled. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC assignment date yet to be determined. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the West Fork Big Creek Dam B-161 remains a vital infrastructure in managing water resources and climate challenges in Harrison County, Missouri.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

639

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

WEST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

248

Nid Storage

61.9

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.