Murchison Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Murchison Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 25 ft (taller than 50.9% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 267 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | TX00198 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CIRCLE TEN COUNCIL BSA
Private
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Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Murchison Lake Dam?
Murchison Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Murchison Lake Dam?
Murchison Lake Dam is owned by CIRCLE TEN COUNCIL BSA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Murchison Lake Dam built?
Murchison Lake Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Murchison Lake Dam?
Murchison Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Murchison Lake Dam?
Murchison Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Murchison Lake Dam last inspected?
Murchison Lake Dam was last inspected on December 18, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.