Murphy Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wurtzburger Lake Dam Fields Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Murphy Lake Dam, located in Taylor, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam that serves the primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond.
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Summary
Built in 1972, the dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 340 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a drainage area of 198 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and providing fire protection in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Murphy Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with its condition not currently rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 22 feet, and no outlet gates are present. While it has not been inspected recently, this structure remains an essential component of the local ecosystem, offering habitat for various species and contributing to grade stabilization in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Murphy Lake Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure that supports the conservation of fish and wildlife in Lewis County, Missouri. Its importance as a small fish pond and fire protection resource underscores the significance of maintaining and monitoring dams to ensure their functionality and safety for both the environment and surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BUCK BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
198 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wyaconda River Above Canton
|
13cfs |
Fox River At Wayland
|
8cfs |
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
Bear Creek Near Marcelline
|
5cfs |
South Fabius River Near Taylor
|
12cfs |
North River At Palmyra
|
17cfs |
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.
Murphy Lake Dam