Wales Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wales, located in Sanpete, Utah, is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes on Silver Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1898, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 13 feet, with a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a length of 2935 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 2620 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 1450 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 27.9 square miles.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Wales is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to monitor its integrity. Although the Emergency Action Plan status and risk assessment details are not provided, the structure is deemed to meet safety guidelines.

Wales' presence on Silver Creek contributes to the local irrigation needs, highlighting the importance of water resource management in the region. As a historical landmark that has stood the test of time for over a century, this dam serves as a reminder of the vital role infrastructure plays in sustaining agricultural activities and water availability in the area. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Wales symbolizes the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in harnessing water resources for the benefit of the community.

Year Completed

1898

Dam Length

2935

River Or Stream

SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

27.9

Nid Storage

2620

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.