Adams Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Adams is a privately-owned dam located in Layton, Utah, on Snow Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 43 feet and has a hydraulic height of 38 feet. With a length of 1620 feet and a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, Adams primarily serves the purpose of irrigation in the region. The dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its age, Adams has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition and has a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its last inspection in September 2020 found it to be in compliance with safety standards. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared for Adams, the dam meets guidelines for risk management measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 48 cubic feet per second, Adams plays a crucial role in water resource management in Davis County, Utah.

Overall, Adams is a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, providing essential irrigation water for agricultural purposes. As a privately-owned dam, it falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to regulatory oversight by the Utah Division of Water Rights. With its satisfactory condition and regular inspections, Adams continues to be a key player in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Utah.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

1620

River Or Stream

SNOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.