West Fork Big Creek Dam B-179 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

West Fork Big Creek Dam B-179, located in Daviess County, Missouri, was completed in 2000 and is owned by the local government.


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Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the West Fork Big Creek. Standing at a height of 27 feet with a structural height of 35 feet, the earth dam spans 732 feet and has a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, West Fork Big Creek Dam B-179 is considered to be in good condition, although it has not been officially rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and other controlled outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 138.1 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area and protecting the surrounding community of Pattonsburg.

Although not regulated by the state, the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. The dam is part of the flood control efforts in the region, providing vital protection to the residents and infrastructure along the West Fork Big Creek. With its strategic location and design, West Fork Big Creek Dam B-179 stands as a key asset in the management of water resources and climate resilience in Daviess County, Missouri.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

732

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

WEST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

142

Nid Storage

109

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.