Palisades Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Palisades Lake, located in Sterling, Utah, is a privately-owned reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1899, this Earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1050 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 780 acre-feet. Despite its age, Palisades Lake has a high hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition, indicating a need for maintenance and repair.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Palisades Lake is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The reservoir is fed by Sixmile Creek - Offstream and has a drainage area of 1 square mile, with a maximum discharge capacity of 75 cubic feet per second. Its location in Sanpete County, Utah, makes it an important water resource for agricultural purposes in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Palisades Lake to be a historically significant reservoir with potential risks due to its age and condition. As a vital irrigation source in Utah, the lake's maintenance and regulatory oversight by the state highlight the importance of safeguarding water resources for sustainable use and protection against hazards.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

1250

River Or Stream

SIXMILE CREEK - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1050

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.