Kennecott Smelter Tailings Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
The Kennecott Smelter Tailings Pond, located in Utah, is a privately-owned structure regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights.
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Summary
This significant structure serves the primary purpose of storing tailings and is deemed to have a significant hazard potential. With a hydraulic height of 150 feet and a structural height of 154 feet, the pond has a storage capacity of 3000 acre-feet and drains offstream into the Jordan River.
Despite being an Earth-type dam with a length of 5800 feet, the Kennecott Smelter Tailings Pond lacks certain essential information such as dam volume and surface area. However, it undergoes regular state inspections, with the last inspection occurring in October 2020. The dam's condition is currently labeled as "Not Rated," and there is no available Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or risk assessment for the structure. With its location in the Salt Lake County draining to the Jordan River, enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find the Kennecott Smelter Tailings Pond an intriguing case study in environmental stewardship and risk management.
Dam Length |
5800 |
River Or Stream |
JORDAN RIVER - OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
150 |
Drainage Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
3000 |
Structural Height |
154 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
154 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Kennecott Smelter Tailings Pond