Murray

ELK· Price, Wisconsin· Built 1880· Gravity· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Murray is classified as significant hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 55.3% in WI)
Dam Length610 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage6.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.5K acre-ft
Surface Area561 acres
Drainage Area272 sq mi
Max Discharge7,600 cfs
Year Completed1880 (146 years old)
NID IDWI00178

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 10, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: WIDNR

Ownership

Price County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Murray?

Murray is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Murray?

Murray is owned by Price County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Murray built?

Murray was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Murray?

Murray 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 Murray?

Murray has a dam height of 18 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 Murray last inspected?

Murray was last inspected on June 10, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.