Rocky Ford (Beaver) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Rocky Ford (Beaver) is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Minersville, Utah, on the Beaver River.


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Summary

Built in 1914, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 64 feet and a structural height of 68 feet, with a length of 1575 feet. It has a storage capacity of 38,733 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the region.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Rocky Ford (Beaver) is state regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced, ensuring its safety and compliance with water resource regulations. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in May 2020. With a drainage area of 531 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rocky Ford (Beaver) offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and engineering of irrigation infrastructure in Utah. Its location on the Beaver River, in the picturesque county of Beaver, underscores the vital role of dams in sustaining agriculture and water supply in arid regions. As a significant component of the local water management system, Rocky Ford (Beaver) exemplifies the careful balance between harnessing water resources for human use and protecting the environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

1575

River Or Stream

BEAVER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

64

Drainage Area

531

Nid Storage

38733

Structural Height

68

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

68
       
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.