Murtaugh Lake
Key Takeaway
Murtaugh Lake is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 42 ft (taller than 72.8% in ID) |
| Dam Length | 8,000 ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 827 acres |
| Drainage Area | 238 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1984 |
| NID ID | ID00165 |
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
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Murtaugh Lake?
Murtaugh Lake 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 Murtaugh Lake?
Murtaugh Lake is owned by information not available (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Murtaugh Lake built?
Murtaugh Lake was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Murtaugh Lake?
Murtaugh Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Murtaugh Lake?
Murtaugh Lake has a dam height of 42 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 Murtaugh Lake last inspected?
Murtaugh Lake was last inspected on October 22, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.