Tuacahn Wash Lower Detention Basin Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
The Tuacahn Wash Lower Detention Basin in Santa Clara, Utah, stands as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction, completed back in 1919.
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Summary
This earth dam structure boasts a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a capacity to store up to 145 acre-feet of water. Situated along an unnamed tributary to the Santa Clara River, this basin covers a drainage area of 7.15 square miles and serves as a safeguard against potential high hazard risks, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2013.
Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, this detention basin is regularly inspected to ensure its operational readiness and regulatory compliance. With a high hazard potential, the facility is equipped with emergency action plans and protocols to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in the event of a flood event. Its strategic location and design make it a crucial component of the local government's water resource management efforts, underscoring the vital role it plays in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood damages.
As a testament to its importance in flood risk reduction, the Tuacahn Wash Lower Detention Basin remains a key piece of infrastructure in Washington County, Utah. With a focus on safeguarding the city of Santa Clara from potential inundation, this earth dam structure serves as a vital defensive barrier against the impacts of extreme weather events and water resource fluctuations. Enforced by state regulatory agencies and subject to regular inspections, this basin exemplifies the proactive approach taken towards climate resilience and water management in the region, underscoring its significance in ensuring the safety and well-being of local residents and properties.
Year Completed |
1919 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIB. TO SANTA CLARA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
7.15 |
Nid Storage |
145 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Snow Canyon State Park
|
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Gunlock State Park
|
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Sand Cove Reservoir Dispersed
|
Tuacahn Wash Lower Detention Basin
Unknown
Virgin River Gorge