Work continues to relieve Panguitch dam pressure

Derick Fox
·2 min read
4

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — Work continues to alleviate pressure on the damaged dam threatening residents in Southern Utah.

On Monday, April 8, crews found a crack in the upper portion of the Panguitch Lake Dam, forcing a “Level 2 Emergency Situation,” closing highways, limiting lake access and flood watches for the area.

NEXT: Officials answer questions, outline evacuation plan after damage to Panguitch dam

Late Wednesday night, April 10, the Utah Department of Public Safety provided an update saying crews cut across the ice to help relieve some of the pressure pushing against the dam.

“They have also added rock to the downstream side to support the dam wall,” said Utah DPS in a statement. “These measures have helped to change the tilt of the expanded section from eight degrees to two degrees.”

Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)

The Utah DPS previously said the damage only affected a two to five-foot expansion of the Panguitch Lake Dam that was installed about 80 to 90 years ago. The main portion of the dam is still intact, leading officials to believe a complete dam breach is not likely or anticipated.

Still, a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect for a large portion of Southwest Utah as of Thursday morning.

“A Level 2 Emergency Situation indicates that there is a potential for dam failure,” the flash flood warning said. “While there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve. Officials are closely monitoring the dam and are prepared to escalate their response if necessary.”

The National Weather Service said Panguitch Creek is running high, fast and cold due to the releases to lower the lake level. Residents are advised to keep children and pets away from the creek as a precaution.

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