Salt Lake County - Wheeler Farm Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Salt Lake County - Wheeler Farm is a flood risk reduction structure located in Murray, Utah, along the Little Cottonwood River.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its functionality and safety. With a hydraulic height of 7 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, the dam has a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet.

Although the exact year of completion is not specified, Salt Lake County - Wheeler Farm plays a significant role in mitigating flood hazards in the area and has a hazard potential rated as "Significant." Despite not being conditionally rated, the dam undergoes inspections every three years to monitor its effectiveness and structural integrity. The structure is designed as an earth dam and spans a length of 650 feet, serving as a crucial component in managing water resources in Salt Lake County.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Salt Lake County - Wheeler Farm presents an intriguing case study in flood risk reduction and water management. Situated in a high-risk area, the dam's presence highlights the importance of proactive infrastructure to mitigate potential hazards and protect surrounding communities. With ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance, this structure serves as a critical defense against flooding events, showcasing the intersection of engineering, policy, and environmental stewardship in safeguarding water resources in Salt Lake County.

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

LITTLE COTTONWOOD - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

37.9

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.