Mountain Dell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mountain Dell is a historic dam located in Salt Lake City, Utah, along the scenic Parleys Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1916, this buttress dam stands at a structural height of 105 feet and serves as a critical water supply source for the local government. With a storage capacity of 3,506 acre-feet, Mountain Dell plays a key role in providing water for the surrounding area.

Despite its importance, Mountain Dell is classified as having a high hazard potential and is currently rated in poor condition. The dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety. The last inspection in May 2020 highlighted the need for improvements and maintenance to address the dam's deteriorating condition.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Mountain Dell to be a fascinating structure with a rich history and significant impact on the local ecosystem. As efforts continue to maintain and improve the dam's condition, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure management in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

PARLEYS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Hydraulic Height

96

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

3506

Structural Height

105

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

105
       
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.