Macdonald Lake dam
Macdonald Lake
Macdonald Lake, located in Kane County, Utah, serves as a vital resource for irrigation purposes. The dam, completed in 1910, stands at a height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, holding a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to the East Fork of the Virgin River, the lake plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.
Managed and regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Macdonald Lake has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2017. With a history dating back over a century, the lake continues to provide a reliable water source for the surrounding area, contributing to the sustainability of local agriculture and ecosystems.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, Macdonald Lake stands as a testament to the importance of effective water management practices. With its strategic location and historical significance, the lake serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental conservation. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the preservation and sustainable use of Macdonald Lake are essential for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Macdonald Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Virgin River Near Glendale | 5 cfs | → |
| Mammoth Creek Abv West Hatch Ditch | 38 cfs | → |
| Sevier River At Hatch | 82 cfs | → |
| Kanab Creek Near Kanab | 5 cfs | → |
| North Fork Virgin River Near Springdale | 43 cfs | → |
| East Fork Virgin River Near Springdale | 40 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Macdonald Lake.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Strawberry Valley Free Campsite
- Uinta Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area
- Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area
- Duck Creek Campground
- Duck Creek
- Yovimpa Pass
Fishing spots
Track Macdonald Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Macdonald Lake
Where does the data for Macdonald Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Macdonald Lake.