Little Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Reservoir Dam, located in Beaver, Utah, is a federal-owned structure managed by the USDA Forest Service for recreation and fish and wildlife conservation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1929, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the TR-SO Fork Beaver River and providing water for various recreational activities.

With a spillway width of 15 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Little Reservoir Dam has a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of February 2016. The dam has undergone structural modifications in 1990 to improve its resilience. Its last inspection in July 2019 revealed the need for ongoing maintenance and potential risk management measures. Despite its challenges, the dam serves as a vital resource for the local community and is a key component of the region's water infrastructure for both humans and wildlife alike. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Little Reservoir Dam becomes increasingly critical for water security and ecosystem sustainability.

Years Modified

1990 - Structural

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-SO FORK BEAVER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

44

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.