West Fork Big Creek Dam B-163 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

West Fork Big Creek Dam B-163, located in Daviess, Missouri, was completed in 2004 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure for the local community.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a structural height of 35 feet, spanning a length of 610 feet and holding a storage capacity of 56.1 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the West Fork Big Creek, with a drainage area of 640 square miles and a maximum discharge of 105.9 cubic feet per second.

With a hazard potential rated as low and a moderate risk assessment, West Fork Big Creek Dam B-163 plays a vital role in mitigating potential flooding in the area. While the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with an outlet gate classified as "Other Controlled." The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, but it continues to serve as a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Overall, West Fork Big Creek Dam B-163 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in addressing flood risk reduction needs. With its strategic location and design features, this earth dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the community against potential inundation events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the importance of such structures in enhancing resilience and sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

610

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

WEST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

640

Nid Storage

56.1

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.