Murdy Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Noel Dam Steele Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Murdy Dam, located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is a private water resource structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1973.
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Summary
The dam, built for fire protection and as a small fish pond, stands at 25 feet tall and spans 330 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, the dam primarily serves to provide water for stock and firefighting purposes in the region. Situated on TR-PACKARD CREEK in COAL CITY, Murdy Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite its low hazard potential, Murdy Dam is classified as having a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation contribute to its unique design features. While the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it continues to fulfill its intended purposes effectively. With a surface area of 6 acres and a drainage area of 0.33 square miles, Murdy Dam remains a significant water management structure in the region, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in Iowa.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Murdy Dam plays a vital role in providing essential water resources for agricultural, firefighting, and recreational purposes in the area. With its close proximity to the Rock Island District and oversight by the Iowa DNR, the dam serves as a crucial piece of the region's water management strategy. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Murdy Dam are essential for ensuring sustainable water access and management for both current and future generations of Iowans.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PACKARD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.33 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Murdy Dam