Moab City Johnson Canyon Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Moab City Johnson Canyon Retention Dam, located in Grand County, Utah, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Johnson Canyon (Dry Wash) river or stream.


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Summary

Managed by the local government of Moab, this masonry-type dam is regulated and permitted by the Utah Division of Water Rights, ensuring its compliance with state standards for inspection, enforcement, and safety measures. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, with the last inspection conducted in May 2004.

With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a distance of 0.1 miles from Moab city, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. While specific details such as dam height, volume, and storage capacity are unavailable, the dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction underscores its importance in safeguarding residential and commercial properties in the area. As part of its emergency preparedness protocols, the dam may have an emergency action plan in place, although details on its implementation and adherence to guidelines are currently unspecified.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Moab City Johnson Canyon Retention Dam presents an intriguing case study in local flood management and infrastructure resilience. Its location in a dry wash area highlights the importance of strategic flood control measures in arid regions susceptible to flash floods. While further information on the dam's specifications and maintenance history would enhance our understanding of its effectiveness, the dam's role in mitigating flood risks for Moab residents underscores the critical intersection of water resource management and community safety in the face of changing climate patterns.

River Or Stream

JOHNSON CANYON (DRY WASH)

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Drainage Area

0.5

Hazard Potential

Significant
       
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.