M R Murchison Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harold Goar Dam Dan Pennington Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
M R Murchison Dam, located in Houston, Texas, is a private-owned earth dam built in 1947 for irrigation purposes on Little Elkhart Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 14 feet and stretching 700 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 690 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
The dam, with a hazard potential rating of "Not Available" and a risk assessment of "High (2)", does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. While the condition of the dam is currently "Not Rated", it is essential to note the importance of proper risk management measures for the safety of the surrounding area. With its location in a high-risk area and the absence of detailed risk assessment information, constant monitoring and maintenance of the M R Murchison Dam is crucial to prevent any potential disasters and protect the water resources and climate in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the M R Murchison Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and safety. With its historical significance, ongoing regulatory oversight, and potential risks, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need for proactive measures to mitigate hazards and ensure the long-term sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE ELKHART CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
1250 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Trinity Rv Nr Crockett
|
2670cfs |
Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood
|
2660cfs |
Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood
|
20cfs |
Neches Rv Nr Neches
|
337cfs |
Angelina Rv Nr Alto
|
328cfs |
Bedias Ck Nr Madisonville
|
19cfs |
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.
M R Murchison Dam
Houston County Lk Nr Crockett