Nielson (John) dam
Nielson (John)
Nielson (John) is a private water supply dam located in Emery, Utah, with a significant hazard potential. Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, this off-channel dam stands at a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 36 feet, with a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet. Completed a number of years ago, this earth dam spans 430 feet in length and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area.
Despite its critical role in water supply, Nielson (John) has not been rated for its condition, and the last inspection in September 2020 revealed that it was not assessed. The dam poses a significant risk, although specific risk management measures have not been outlined. With a regulated state jurisdiction and permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, this dam remains a focal point for water resource enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of essential infrastructure in the region.
As a key element of the water supply infrastructure in Emery County, Utah, Nielson (John) represents a blend of private ownership and state oversight. With a capacity to hold 180 acre-feet of water and a history of state-regulated operations, this dam underscores the importance of maintaining and managing water resources in a region susceptible to climate variability. Enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources and climate change will find Nielson (John) a compelling case study in the ongoing efforts to secure sustainable water supplies for the future.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Nielson (John) -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Seep Wash Near Wellington | 2 cfs | → |
| Ferron Cr Bl Millsite Res & Divs Nr Ferron | · | → |
| Ferron Creek (Upper Station) Near Ferron | 38 cfs | → |
| Ephraim Tunnel Near Ephraim | 2 cfs | → |
| Mud Creek Bl Winter Quarters Canyon At Scofield | 8 cfs | → |
| Fairview Tunnel Near Fairview | 6 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Nielson (John).
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Huntington State Park
- Bear Creek
- New Joes Campground
- River Bend Campground
- Lower Little Bear Campground
- Little Bear Group Campground
Track Nielson (John) in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Nielson (John)
Where does the data for Nielson (John) come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Nielson (John).