Piute Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Piute Dam, located in Piute County, Utah, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights.


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Summary

Completed in 1938, this Earth-type dam stands at 90 feet high with a hydraulic height of 72 feet, serving primarily for irrigation purposes on the Sevier River. With a storage capacity of 136,855 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2,440 square miles, Piute Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Piute Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds. The dam underwent its last inspection in August 2020 and is subject to regular monitoring and enforcement by state regulatory agencies. With a history dating back over 80 years, Piute Dam remains a vital piece of infrastructure in the water management system of the area, highlighting the intersection of water resources and climate challenges in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Piute Dam serves as a fascinating case study in the management of water infrastructure in a changing climate. Its role in irrigation, storage capacity, and regulatory oversight provide important insights into the complexities of balancing water needs for agricultural and environmental purposes. As discussions around climate resilience and water security continue to evolve, Piute Dam stands as a symbol of the ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of water resources in the face of growing challenges.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1403

River Or Stream

SEVIER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

72

Drainage Area

2440

Nid Storage

136855

Structural Height

90

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

90
       
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.