Big Creek-Hurricane Creek L-5a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Big Creek-Hurricane Creek L-5a, located in Carroll County, Missouri, is a locally owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 2010 for flood risk reduction along the tributary to Peavine Branch.
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Summary
With a height of 28.3 feet and a length of 795 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 165.6 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 154.88 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level.
This uncontrolled spillway dam, primarily funded and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, features a stone core and soil foundation. While the dam's emergency action plan status, condition assessment, and risk management measures are not currently rated or available, its construction reflects a proactive approach to mitigating flood risks in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Big Creek-Hurricane Creek L-5a presents an intriguing case study in local government-led infrastructure development for flood resilience in a rural setting.
As part of the Rock Island District, this dam plays a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff and reducing flood impacts in the area. While not currently regulated or inspected by state authorities, the dam's presence highlights the collaborative efforts between federal agencies and local governments to address water resource challenges. With its strategic location and modest dimensions, the Big Creek-Hurricane Creek L-5a exemplifies the importance of proactive flood risk reduction measures in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
2010 |
Dam Length |
795 |
Dam Height |
28.3 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. TO PEAVINE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
154.88 |
Nid Storage |
165.6 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wakenda Creek At Carrollton
|
8cfs |
Missouri River At Waverly
|
26800cfs |
Grand River Near Sumner
|
220cfs |
Mussel Fork Near Musselfork
|
12cfs |
Blackwater River At Blue Lick
|
25cfs |
Missouri River At Glasgow
|
28400cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Van Meter State Park
|
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Carrollton City Park
|
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Herring Memorial Park - Brunswick
|
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Bogard City Park
|
Big Creek-Hurricane Creek L-5a