Utaba Retarding Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Utaba Retarding, located in Camp Utaba, Weber County, Utah, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1962 to mitigate flood risks along the North Fork Ogden River.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 54 feet and a structural height of 71 feet, with a length of 369 feet. With a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, it plays a vital role in flood risk reduction within its 10.1 square mile drainage area.

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, Utaba Retarding is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its operational integrity. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, its current condition remains unrated. The dam's last inspection was conducted in August 2019, with an inspection frequency of every 2 years. While emergency action plans and risk assessments are yet to be fully documented, the structure continues to serve its primary purpose effectively.

Overall, Utaba Retarding stands as a testament to collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities against potential flood events. As a key component of flood risk reduction infrastructure in Weber County, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management and climate resilience strategies in ensuring the safety and well-being of local residents and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

369

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK OGDEN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

54

Drainage Area

10.1

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

71

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

71
       
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.