Murray Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Murray Lake, located in the Timothy Community of Louisiana, is a privately owned water supply reservoir that was completed in 1955.


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Summary

With a dam height of 40 feet and a hydraulic height of 30 feet, the lake has a storage capacity of 16,039 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,360 acres. The primary purpose of the reservoir is to provide water supply for the surrounding area, making it a vital resource for the community.

Owned by International Paper, the dam at Murray Lake is primarily an earth structure with buttress and stone core types. The reservoir is regulated and inspected by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring that it meets safety standards. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is considered fair, with the last inspection taking place in September 2015.

While Murray Lake currently poses a low risk in terms of potential hazards, it is still crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its condition and risk management measures. With its strategic location along the Bodcau Bayou offstream, the reservoir serves as a key water source for the region and plays a significant role in water supply management in Webster County, Louisiana. As efforts continue to maintain and improve the dam's infrastructure, Murray Lake remains an essential asset for the community and its water resource sustainability.

Years Modified

1987 - Structural

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

31190

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

BODCAU BAYOU OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1360

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

16039

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.