Murrays Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Murrays, also known as Flynn or Eagle Lake, is a gravity dam located on the East Fork White River in Bayfield, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Constructed in 1941, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a storage capacity of 22,000 acre-feet. With a structural height of 13 feet and a hydraulic height of 9.5 feet, Murrays spans 34 feet in length and covers a surface area of 650 acres.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Murrays is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safe operation. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and potential consequences of failure. Emergency action plans are in place, although last updated in 1999, to mitigate any potential risks and protect downstream communities from flooding events.

Even though Murrays has not undergone significant modifications since 1997, regular inspections are conducted every 10 years to assess its condition and ensure compliance with safety guidelines. The dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are currently not specified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard water resources and the local environment from any potential threats posed by this critical infrastructure.

Years Modified

1997 - Other

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

34

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

EAST FORK WHITE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

650

Hydraulic Height

9.5

Drainage Area

13

Nid Storage

22000

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.