Summary
Murphey Lake Dam, also known as Willow Slough, is a state-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes such as fish and wildlife pond activities. Completed in 1951, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet, with a length of 1300 feet, and a storage capacity of 12,805 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Riner Houseworth Ditch and offers a surface area of 1200 acres for visitors to enjoy.
Despite its fair condition assessment in 2013, the dam has a significant hazard potential, prompting inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam lacks a spillway, it boasts a maximum discharge capacity of 810 cubic feet per second. With the risk assessment classified as high, proper risk management measures are crucial to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flooding or other emergencies. The presence of state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement further underscores the importance of maintaining this vital water resource structure for the community.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
RINER HOUSEWORTH DITCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1200 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
13.4 |
Nid Storage |
12805 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Iroquois River At Iroquois
|
43cfs |
Iroquois River Near Foresman
|
39cfs |
Kankakee River At Momence
|
1180cfs |
Iroquois River Near Chebanse
|
122cfs |
Kankakee River At Shelby
|
1150cfs |
Iroquois River At Rensselaer
|
22cfs |
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.
J.C. Murphey Lake Dam