Big East dam
Big East
Big East, located in Payson, Utah, is a privately owned dam constructed in 1898 primarily for irrigation purposes. The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a length of 475 feet. Its storage capacity is 980 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 414 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a high hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, Big East is a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. It is situated on Wimmer Ranch Creek and plays a crucial role in water resource management and agricultural activities in the area. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to address any potential risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities.
As an Earth-type dam, Big East presents both challenges and opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its historical significance, combined with its essential role in irrigation and water storage, makes it a focal point for sustainable water management practices in the region. With a focus on safety and efficiency, continued oversight and investment in the dam's infrastructure will be crucial for meeting the evolving water resource needs of the community and adapting to changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Big East -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Creek Abv Summit Cr Canal Nr Santaquin Ut | 6 cfs | → |
| Spanish Fork At Castilla | 341 cfs | → |
| Currant Creek Near Mona | 2 cfs | → |
| Salt Crk Blw Nephi Powerplant Div | 11 cfs | → |
| Diamond Fork Above Red Hollow | 41 cfs | → |
| Hobble Creek At 1650 West At Springville | 86 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big East.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Payson Lakes Campground
- Payson Lakes
- Payson Lakes Cabin
- Blackhawk Campground
- Maple Lake Campground
- Ccc Campsite
Fishing spots
- Bald
- Gooseberry Reservoir
- Lower Gooseberry Reservoir
- Beaver Dam Reservoir Fishing Site
- Fairview Lakes
- Fairview Lakes Observation Site
Track Big East in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Big East
Where does the data for Big East come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Big East.