Damage to Panguitch Dam seems less dire, but officials say evacuation is still on the table
PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — The damage to the Panguitch Lake Dam, which includes a large crack that prompted city officials to announce a “Level 2 Emergency Situation,” appears to have taken a positive turn.
Wednesday afternoon, Department of Public Safety officials said “a complete dam breach is not likely or anticipated,” and listed several measures they are taking to mitigate the risk of a breach.
A Level 3 Emergency Situation would call for evacuation of the city of Panguitch as it means there is an imminent risk of dam failure. Fortunately, authorities say they have hope it will change to a Level 1 risk rather than progress to Level 3.
A large crack was found in the dam Monday, prompting an “urgent public safety announcement” on Tuesday night. The crack was caused by the lake’s 2-5 foot expansion due to the freezing and expanding of the already high water pressure, according to officials.
The Panguitch Lake Dam was found with a large crack that prompted city officials to announce a “Level 2 Emergency Situation.” (Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety) The Panguitch Lake Dam was found with a large crack that prompted city officials to announce a “Level 2 Emergency Situation.” (Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety) Panguitch Lake Dam suffered damage resulting in a crack in its upper portion (Courtesy: Dave Dodds / Garfield Co. Public Works)
The expansion caused cracking and tilting of the top portion of the dam, which was constructed as an addition to the dam in the 1930s and 40s. This leads officials to believe that should a breach occur, it would likely only break the top few feet of the dam.
For that reason, officials are releasing water to lower the level of the lake to rest below the start of the crack. They believe it could take 8-10 days to get the water below the compromised section.
Officials are also working at cracking the ice within the reservoir to release pressure and adding material to the dam to fortify it.
While the update is good news for the approximately 1,700 people living in the Panguitch area, officials say there still is a risk of dam failure and evacuation.
Officials say the city is still under evacuation notice, meaning residents should be prepared to leave if the time comes. They also are hosting a community gathering on Wednesday, April 10, to answer questions, provide resources, and outline the evacuation plan should a breach occur.
Utah authorities found a large crack on the Panguitch Lake Dam Monday, April 10. Authorities are releasing evacuation information as a precaution, but the city is not currently under an evacuation order.(Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety) Utah authorities found a large crack on the Panguitch Lake Dam Monday, April 10. Authorities are releasing evacuation information as a precaution, but the city is not currently under an evacuation order.(Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety) Utah authorities found a large crack on the Panguitch Lake Dam Monday, April 10. Authorities are releasing evacuation information as a precaution, but the city is not currently under an evacuation order.(Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety)
The community gathering will take place at 6 p.m. at the Panguitch High School Gymnasium located at 390 E 100 S. They also will be streaming the meeting live on Zoom.
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