J.C. Murphey Lake Dam (Willow Slough Lake)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: J.C. Murphey Lake Dam
Other Name: WILLOW SLOUGH
NID ID: IN00006
Longitude: -87.51833
Latitude: 40.97417
Map Section: 12 29N 10W
County: NEWTON
River: RINER HOUSEWORTH DITCH
State: IN
Nearest City: BEAVERVILLE, IL
Distance: 8 miles
Owner Name: DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Owner Type: State
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: Earth
Purposes: Recreation
Year Completed: 1951
Dam Length: 1300 feet
Dam Height: 17 feet
Structural Height: 17 feet
Hydraulic Height: 17 feet
Maximum Discharge: 810 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 12805 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 4621 acre-feet
Surface Area: 1200 acres
Drainage Area: 13.4 square miles
Hazard Potential: Low
Emergency Action Plan? No
Inspection Date: 2011-10-12
Inspection Frequency: 3
State Regulated Dam? Yes
State Regulating Agency: IDNR
Spillway Width: 0 feet
Federal Funding Agency: WILLOW SLOUGH
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:






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