West Fork Big Creek Dam W-45 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Harrison, Missouri, the West Fork Big Creek Dam W-45 is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 2009, this dam stands at a height of 31.2 feet and has a structural height of 37 feet, with a storage capacity of 83.6 acre-feet and a normal storage of 21.1 acre-feet. The dam spans 400 feet in length and is situated on Wolf Creek, with a drainage area of 150 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the West Fork Big Creek Dam W-45 serves as a critical infrastructure for managing flood risks in the region. Although not state-regulated or subject to regular inspections, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service ensure its effectiveness in mitigating flood impacts on the community.
As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts in the area, the West Fork Big Creek Dam W-45 serves as a testament to the importance of proper dam infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience. Its strategic location on Wolf Creek and its efficient design by the USDA NRCS highlight the collaboration between federal agencies and private landowners in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. Through ongoing risk assessment and management measures, this dam continues to play a critical role in enhancing the resilience of the region to potential flood hazards.
Year Completed |
2009 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
31.2 |
River Or Stream |
WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
150 |
Nid Storage |
83.6 |
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 W-45