Kester Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Kester, Joel - Willow Canyon is a private dam located in Utah, designed for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 7 feet with a hydraulic height of 4 feet. With a capacity for 6 acre-feet of storage and a maximum discharge of 20 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.

Although its condition assessment is currently "Not Rated", Kester, Joel - Willow Canyon has been identified as having significant hazard potential. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite being non-USACE managed, this dam is an essential component in the local water resource management infrastructure, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its safety protocols.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kester, Joel - Willow Canyon serves as a fascinating example of private dam ownership and state-regulated flood risk reduction efforts. With its location in Utah and its critical role in managing a drainage area of 0.5 square miles, this dam underscores the importance of effective water infrastructure in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. As an integral part of the local flood control system, Kester, Joel - Willow Canyon remains a key player in preserving the region's water resources and mitigating potential climate-related risks.

Dam Length

258

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

4

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

6

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

7
       
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.