Murphy #2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Murphy #2, located in McCone County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond maintenance. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 250 feet, Murphy #2 has a storage capacity of 356 acre-feet and a drainage area of 14.42 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and has a low hazard potential rating.
Despite being uncontrolled, Murphy #2 has a spillway width of 200 feet to manage a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, with a DSAC risk rating of 3. Currently, the dam's condition is not rated, and there is no official emergency action plan in place. However, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, Murphy #2 is well-monitored and maintained to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Murphy #2 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam serving multiple purposes in a rural Montana setting.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NELSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
14.42 |
Nid Storage |
356 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
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 #2