SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A small crack in the Panguitch Lake Dam has sparked concern among residents of a downstream town, prompting emergency measures to prevent a potential breach. The dam, located in rural Utah, experienced a 60-foot crack, leading to water pouring into a nearby creek. Officials are working diligently to stabilize the dam and ensure the safety of approximately 1,800 residents in the area.
Despite the crack, state and local authorities do not believe the dam is on the verge of collapsing. However, residents have been advised to be prepared for a possible evacuation if the situation deteriorates. Emergency management officials have distributed evacuation guidelines to residents in a bid to allay fears and ensure preparedness.
Assistant State Engineer for Dam Safety, Everett Taylor, expressed cautious optimism about the progress made in addressing the issue. Efforts to lower the water level below the affected area are underway, with workers placing boulders to cover a significant portion of the crack. The crack was attributed to an ice sheet on the reservoir that pushed against the dam, causing structural damage.
An initial inspection on Monday night revealed the crack, leading to the public announcement on Tuesday of the level 2 breach risk. In the event of a breach, law enforcement agencies will collaborate with the Red Cross to evacuate the downstream town of Panguitch and ensure the safety of its residents.
Residents have been reassured that there will be adequate time to gather belongings and evacuate safely if necessary. Preparations include sounding sirens in the event of an evacuation, with officers going door-to-door to ensure everyone has evacuated the area. Emergency shelters have been identified, and measures, such as releasing water and placing rocks downstream, are being implemented to stabilize the dam.
Officials noted that there were no previous concerns about the dam’s integrity, and the crack came as a surprise. Meanwhile, Mayor Kim Soper urged caution near the elevated water level and reassured residents that the community had overcome previous challenges, including wildfires in the past. With no immediate rainfall in the forecast, efforts to stabilize the dam continue as the situation unfolds.