Shurtliff-Behunin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shurtliff-Behunin is a privately owned earth dam located in Garfield County, Utah, with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this dam has a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a length of 575 feet. It has a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet and serves the Nazar Draw river or stream, draining into the Escalante River. The dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.

Despite being privately owned, Shurtliff-Behunin plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes. The dam is situated in a remote area with limited infrastructure, but its importance for water storage and distribution cannot be understated. With a drainage area of 10.9 square miles, the dam contributes to the overall water management system in the area.

While the dam's condition assessment is not currently rated, its low hazard potential indicates that it is structurally sound and poses minimal risk. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dam for irrigation purposes. Shurtliff-Behunin stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in arid regions like Utah, highlighting the vital role that dams play in sustaining agriculture and communities in the area.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

575

River Or Stream

NAZER DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

10.9

Nid Storage

170

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.