Bowns (Lower) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowns (Lower) is a privately owned dam located in Garfield, Utah, near the city of NOTOM.


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Summary

Built in 1960 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 49 feet and a structural height of 56 feet, with a length of 511 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 3,475 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 4,372 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Pleasant & Oak Creeks, covering a drainage area of 0.9 square miles.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Bowns (Lower) is classified as a significant hazard potential structure. Although it has not been condition rated, the dam undergoes inspections every two years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2019. Despite the lack of a detailed risk assessment and emergency action plan, the dam's regulation, inspection, and enforcement are carried out by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with water resource management guidelines. As a valuable infrastructure for water supply in the region, Bowns (Lower) serves as a vital resource for irrigation and contributes to the overall water management system in Utah.

The dam's location within the Los Angeles District and under the supervision of Utah's regulatory agencies highlights its importance in water resource management. With its rich history dating back to the 1960s, Bowns (Lower) continues to play a crucial role in providing water for agricultural activities and sustaining the ecosystem in the region. As climate change impacts water availability and distribution, the efficient management and maintenance of structures like Bowns (Lower) are essential for ensuring water security and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

511

River Or Stream

PLEASANT & OAK CREEKS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

49

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

4372

Structural Height

56

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

56
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.