Utah County - Santaquin Debris Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Utah County - Santaquin Debris structure, managed by the USDA NRCS, is a privately owned earth dam located in Santaquin, Utah.


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Summary

Built in 1955 for flood risk reduction on Summit Creek, this structure has a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 36 feet, with a length of 1583 feet. With a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet, it serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights.

This dam has a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment of fair, with inspections conducted every two years to ensure its safety and functionality. The last inspection was in May 2020, and the structure is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced. While there are no associated structures or locks, the Utah County - Santaquin Debris dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Overall, the Utah County - Santaquin Debris structure serves as a vital flood risk reduction measure, contributing to the protection of Summit Creek and the surrounding area in Utah County. With its significant storage capacity and regulated operation, this earth dam underscores the importance of proactive management and inspection to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability for the community of Santaquin and beyond.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1583

River Or Stream

SUMMIT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

146

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

36
       
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.