West Fork Big Creek Dam L- 49 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Dam L-49 in Missouri, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2007, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the TR-Little Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 23.6 feet with a structural height of 31 feet and a length of 360 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 54.4 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, the dam also serves to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation.
Located in Harrison County, Missouri, the West Fork Big Creek Dam L-49 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this dam is not rated for its condition assessment. Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service ensure its reliability in mitigating flood risks. Its uncontrolled spillway and lack of outlet gates are notable features of its design.
Overall, West Fork Big Creek Dam L-49 is a key infrastructure project that contributes to water resource management and climate resilience in the area. While its condition assessment remains ungraded, the dam's strategic location and design by USDA NRCS underscore its importance in safeguarding against floods and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community in Bethany, Missouri.
Year Completed |
2007 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
23.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
23.6 |
Drainage Area |
350 |
Nid Storage |
54.4 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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- 49