Utah County Thistle Creek Debris Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Utah County Thistle Creek Debris is a crucial structure managed by the local government of Utah to reduce flood risk in the Spanish Fork area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, with a length of 105 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 264 acre-feet, playing a vital role in flood control for the region.

Located along the Spanish Fork River, Utah County Thistle Creek Debris is regulated and permitted by the Utah Division of Water Rights, ensuring its proper inspection, enforcement, and maintenance. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for protecting the community from potential flooding events. It is an essential piece of the flood risk reduction strategy in the area, safeguarding the surrounding properties and livelihoods.

With a drainage area of 381 square miles and a maximum discharge of 570 cubic feet per second, the dam at Thistle Creek Debris plays a critical role in managing water flow during periods of high precipitation. It is a testament to the proactive approach taken by local authorities in Utah County to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and protect the environment and residents from the dangers of flooding.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

105

River Or Stream

SPANISH FORK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

381

Nid Storage

264

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.