Murray Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Murray is a public utility dam located in Georgetown, Colorado, along the South Clear Creek-TR river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a length of 196 feet, providing a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet for water resource management. Completed in 1904, Murray has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition according to the latest inspection in August 2020.

Managed by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in Colorado, Murray plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the area, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement ensuring its safe operation. The dam has a spillway width of 6 feet and a maximum discharge of 45 cubic feet per second, serving as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply in Clear Creek County. Despite its age, Murray continues to meet state regulatory standards and has a risk assessment rating of high (2), prompting ongoing risk management measures to be put in place.

With its historical significance and ongoing role in water management, Murray represents a key piece of infrastructure in Colorado's water resource system. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the maintenance and operation of dams like Murray become increasingly important for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of dams like Murray in the context of changing environmental conditions is crucial for promoting resilience and adaptation in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

196

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

SOUTH CLEAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.