Murtaugh Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Murtaugh Lake, located in Twin Falls, Idaho, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1905, stands at a height of 42.2 feet and has a controlled spillway with a width of 26 feet. The lake has a storage capacity of 7,720 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 827 acres, serving as a vital water resource for the region.

With a drainage area of 238 square miles, Murtaugh Lake plays a crucial role in water management and agriculture in the area. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2019. Its location near the Snake River and Dry Creek makes it a key component of the local water infrastructure, ensuring a stable water supply for irrigation purposes.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Murtaugh Lake an intriguing example of early 20th-century dam engineering, with its earth and stone construction standing the test of time. The reservoir's risk assessment is marked as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and efficiency of this vital water resource for the community.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

8000

Dam Height

42.2

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK SNAKE RIVER

Surface Area

827

Hydraulic Height

38.7

Drainage Area

238

Nid Storage

7720

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.