Murray Lake Dam dam
Murray Lake Dam
Murray Lake Dam in Albemarle, Virginia, is a private earth dam primarily designed for recreation purposes. Standing at a height of 46 feet and stretching 470 feet in length, this dam holds a storage capacity of 274 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14 acres. The dam is located on the TR-STOCKTON MILL CREEK and falls under the regulatory oversight of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.
Although last inspected in 1997, with a hazard potential of undetermined and a condition assessment of not rated, Murray Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for visitors in the area. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 2007, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place in case of any unforeseen events. Despite its age, the dam remains a key feature in the landscape, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Murray Lake Dam to be a fascinating structure with its unique design and significant storage capacity. The dam's location in Albemarle, Virginia, allows visitors to enjoy a range of recreational activities while appreciating the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure. As the Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees its regulation, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and environmental conservation in managing water resources.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Murray Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South River Near Dooms | 49 cfs | → |
| South River Near Waynesboro | 29 cfs | → |
| Mechums River Near White Hall | 8 cfs | → |
| South River At Harriston | 85 cfs | → |
| Moormans River Near Free Union | 3 cfs | → |
| Rockfish River Near Greenfield | 45 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Murray Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Murray Lake Dam
Where does the data for Murray Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.