Murphy Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swan Creek 35 Swan Creek 94
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Murphy Dam, located in Swanton, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.8 feet and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Swan Creek, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential, Murphy Dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor structural integrity, prompting the need for regular inspections every five years. The dam's poor condition underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and potential rehabilitation efforts to ensure its effectiveness in managing flood risks in the region. With a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 212 cubic feet per second, Murphy Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding Saline County community from potential flooding events.
As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, Murphy Dam serves as a critical line of defense against floodwaters, safeguarding the residents and agricultural lands in the area. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1970s, the dam's ongoing maintenance and inspection protocols are essential to uphold its functionality and support the region's resilience to climate-related challenges. The collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies like the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources ensures that Murphy Dam continues to fulfill its role in flood risk reduction and water resource management for years to come.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
16.8 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SWAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Structural Height |
16.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
|
230cfs |
Turkey Creek Near De Witt
|
10cfs |
Big Blue River Near Crete
|
95cfs |
West Fork Big Blue River Nr Dorchester
|
39cfs |
Little Blue R At Hollenberg
|
70cfs |
Salt Creek At Roca
|
5cfs |
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 Dam
Willard L. Meyer Rec. Area