Merchant Valley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Merchant Valley is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Beaver, Utah, along the Beaver River.


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Summary

Completed in 1917, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 29 feet and a structural height of 34 feet, with a length of 160 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for agricultural purposes in the region.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Merchant Valley is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but its emergency action plan status is not currently updated. Despite its age, Merchant Valley continues to play a vital role in supporting the agricultural community in Beaver County, highlighting the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that the emergency action plan is up to date and meets guidelines to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam. As a key infrastructure for irrigation purposes, Merchant Valley serves as a reminder of the intersection between water resource management, climate considerations, and the agricultural sector in Beaver, Utah. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance, this historic dam will continue to support the local economy and contribute to sustainable water use in the region.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

160

River Or Stream

BEAVER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

39.5

Nid Storage

46

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

34
       
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.