China Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

China Lake, located in Summit County, Utah, is a privately owned irrigation reservoir regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 14 feet, this earth dam was completed in 1954 and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the East Fork of Smiths Fork, serving as a crucial water source for agricultural purposes in the region.

Despite being classified as low-hazard, China Lake undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. The dam has not been rated for its current condition, but its emergency action plan status remains unclear. With a designated emergency contact and a relatively small drainage area of 0.2 square miles, China Lake plays a vital role in water resource management in the area.

Overall, China Lake serves as a significant irrigation infrastructure in Summit County, Utah, providing essential water resources for agricultural activities. As a privately owned reservoir under the jurisdiction of the Utah Division of Water Rights, the dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to maintain its functionality and safety. With its low hazard potential and moderate storage capacity, China Lake contributes to the sustainable water supply in the region while ensuring proper risk management measures are in place.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

204

River Or Stream

EAST FK SMITHS FK - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.