Gooseberry (Lower) Dam (Fs) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gooseberry (Lower) Dam (Fs) is a Federal-owned earth dam located in Helper, Utah, along Gooseberry Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, the dam serves primarily for recreation and fish and wildlife pond purposes. With a height of 23 feet and a length of 520 feet, it has a storage capacity of 820 acre-feet and a surface area of 52 acres. The dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and is inspected and enforced by the Forest Service.

Despite its historical significance, Gooseberry (Lower) Dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment and a significant hazard potential. The dam underwent structural modifications in 1990, but its overall risk assessment remains moderate. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 20 feet, and the dam's maximum discharge capacity is 3,348 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not documented, highlighting a potential area for improvement in ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate Gooseberry (Lower) Dam (Fs) as a vital piece of infrastructure in the water management system of Sanpete County, Utah. The dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also supports the local fish and wildlife population. However, its current condition and hazard potential underscore the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and the development of comprehensive emergency response plans to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Years Modified

1990 - Structural

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

GOOSEBERRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

15

Nid Storage

820

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.