White Pine Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

White Pine is a private irrigation dam located in Sandy, Utah, on the White Pine Fork of Little Cottonwood River.


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Summary

Built in 1933 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 50 feet and a structural height of 54 feet, with a length of 300 feet. It has a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Utah Division of Water Rights, with a high hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in September 2020.

Owned and operated by a private entity, White Pine plays a crucial role in water resource management in Salt Lake County, Utah. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 315 acre-feet, contributing to the agricultural and environmental sustainability of the region. Despite its age, White Pine continues to effectively store and distribute water for irrigation purposes, ensuring the reliability of water supply for local farmers and ecosystems. With its location in the picturesque Utah landscape, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

As a key component of the local water supply system, White Pine represents the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource management. With its proximity to the Omaha District of the USACE, the dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in ensuring the safety and efficiency of water infrastructure. As climate change poses new challenges to water resources, White Pine serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices to mitigate the impact of shifting environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

WHITE PINE FK LITTLE COTTONWD

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

54

Hazard Potential

High

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.