Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer's) dam, located in Holladay, Utah, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along Big Cottonwood Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 31 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, with a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its functionality.
With a drainage area of 48.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1030 cubic feet per second, Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer's) dam is designed to mitigate the high hazard potential associated with flooding in the region. The dam's fair condition assessment and inspection frequency of every two years demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety and risk management. Although the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place currently, its strategic location and design contribute significantly to the protection of downstream communities and infrastructure from potential flooding events.
As a vital infrastructure owned by the local government, Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer's) dam stands as a testament to proactive flood risk reduction efforts in the area. With its modest height and storage capacity, the dam serves as a critical line of defense against flooding along Big Cottonwood Creek, safeguarding residents and properties in Salt Lake County, Utah.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
1420 |
River Or Stream |
BIG COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
48.3 |
Nid Storage |
132 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
31 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Tanners Flat Campground
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Tanners Flat
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Jordan Pines Group Campground
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Spruces Campground
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Spruces
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Camp Kostopulos
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