Murphy Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Murphy Dam, located in Barton County, Missouri, stands as a vital structure on Little Dry Wood Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 25 feet and a length of 350 feet, serves a significant purpose in managing water resources in the area. With a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.6 acres, Murphy Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and preventing potential flooding in the region.

Despite being privately owned, Murphy Dam is subject to state regulations but not federal oversight. The dam's spillway, outlet gates, and lock system are all uncontrolled, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality. The dam's hazard potential is assessed as significant, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures.

Although Murphy Dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its risk level is considered moderate. With its strategic location and crucial role in water management, Murphy Dam remains a key structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study in the ongoing effort to protect communities and the environment from potential water-related hazards.

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

LITTLE DRY WOOD CREEK

Surface Area

2.6

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

96

Nid Storage

22

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.