North Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Creek, located in Garfield, Utah, is a privately owned irrigation structure with a significant impact on water resources in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1941 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 49 feet and a structural height of 54 feet, with a length of 713 feet. With a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 40.1 square miles, North Creek plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural purposes in the region.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, North Creek is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment has not been rated. However, regular inspections are conducted every 2 years to monitor its integrity. With its location in Escalante and its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Creek remains a key feature in the local water management system, contributing to the irrigation needs of the surrounding area.

As a vital component of the water infrastructure in Garfield County, North Creek serves as a prime example of the collaboration between private ownership, government agencies, and conservation efforts. Its historical significance, dating back to its construction in the early 1940s, highlights the long-standing importance of water resources and climate resilience in the region. With its capacity to store water for irrigation purposes and its role in managing the flow of North Creek, this dam embodies the intersection of human intervention and natural resource management for sustainable water use in Utah.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

713

River Or Stream

NORTH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

49

Drainage Area

40.1

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

54
       
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.