Mchenry Canyon Db Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mchenry Canyon Db is a privately owned dam located in Wasatch, Utah, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

It was designed by JJ Johnson and Fred Duberow and completed in 1980. The dam is classified as an earth dam, with a hydraulic height of 36.5 feet and a structural height of 39 feet. It has a storage capacity of 7 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 5.2 acre-feet.

The dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2003. It has been rated as having a significant hazard potential, although its overall condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers and has not had an Emergency Action Plan prepared as of the latest data update in March 2021.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mchenry Canyon Db provides a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and management for flood risk reduction. Its design features and regulatory oversight offer insights into how dams function within the broader context of water resource management in Utah. With its significant hazard potential and lack of a current condition assessment, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

120

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

36.5

Nid Storage

7

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

39
       
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.