Moab City - White Canyon Retention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moab City's White Canyon Retention project, completed in 1976, stands as a critical flood risk reduction structure in Grand, Utah.


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Summary

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, this earth dam plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the area from potential inundation events. With a hydraulic height of 37 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, the dam serves to mitigate the hazards posed by the nearby White Canyon, demonstrating a high hazard potential but fair condition assessment.

Located in the picturesque city of Moab, Utah, this retention structure boasts a storage capacity of 8 acre-feet, providing essential protection to the surrounding community. While the dam has not undergone recent modifications and lacks specific hazard management measures, its regular inspections and enforcement ensure its continued functionality. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like the Moab City - White Canyon Retention play a crucial role in climate resiliency efforts, highlighting the importance of proactive flood risk reduction measures in vulnerable regions.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

220

River Or Stream

WHITE CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

8

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.