West Fork Big Creek Dam L- 52 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Dam L- 52, located in Bethany, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2008, this dam stands at a height of 34.7 feet and has a storage capacity of 106.2 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 408 cubic feet per second, it serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding.
The dam, situated on Little Creek in Harrison County, Missouri, has a spillway width of 60 feet and is classified as having a low hazard potential. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the risk assessment is moderate, with a risk level of 3. The dam has not been inspected recently, but it continues to play a vital role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating flood risks for the community.
Overall, West Fork Big Creek Dam L- 52 serves as an essential infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the area. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flood events, highlighting the importance of effective dam maintenance and risk management strategies in the face of climate variability and changing hydrological patterns.
Year Completed |
2008 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
34.7 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
34.7 |
Drainage Area |
107 |
Nid Storage |
106.2 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
West Fork Big Creek Dam L- 52