Desert Lake - Alkali Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Desert Lake - Alkali Lake, located in Emery, Utah, is a state-regulated water resource managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights.


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Summary

This Earth dam, completed in 1965, stands at a structural height of 11 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8 feet, with a reservoir capacity of 368 acre-feet. The dam spans 1,230 feet in length and serves as a vital component for managing the washes and feeder canals in the area.

Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the condition of Desert Lake - Alkali Lake has not been officially rated. Regular inspections, carried out every five years, ensure that the dam remains structurally sound and operational. With its crucial role in water management and regulation, the dam plays a pivotal role in sustaining the ecosystem and water supply in the region.

As a significant water resource in Utah, Desert Lake - Alkali Lake provides valuable insights into the state's water infrastructure and management practices. While currently not fully assessed for its condition, the dam's maintenance and oversight by state agencies underscore the commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site serves as a fascinating example of the intersection between human intervention and natural ecosystems in water management.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1230

River Or Stream

WASHES AND FEEDER CANAL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

368

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.