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

Megan Brugger
·3 min read

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — “We’re gonna get through this,” Panguitch Mayor Kim Soper said.

After a crack was found in the Panguitch Lake dam, officials held a town hall meeting — answering questions and discussing topics like mitigation measures, evacuation plans, and preparedness information.

ORIGINAL STORY: Utah highway closed after crack found in Panguitch Lake dam

The damage was found on Monday, April 8, and since then, highways closed, flood watches were issued, and a “Level 2 Emergency Situation” was declared.

“Two or three days ago we got a notice of a ‘little leak’ at the dam, and things have really started happening since then,” Soper said.

Soper thanked the community for the outpour of help and reminded everyone to be prepared and follow the city’s emergency plan.

Additionally, he said sandbags are available “in truckloads” to those who need them.

Right now, according to the city, top priorities are life safety, property preservation, and scene stabilization.

If an evacuation were to take place, sirens will sound and officials will go door to door. Additionally, those signed up for the city’s alert system will be notified.

Evacuation plan

Sargent Cox with Utah Highway Patrol outlined evacuation plans in the event of a breach.

For elementary school students, 100 South eastbound from 300 South will become a one-way street. The road will filter around to 300 West and then to 100 South in front of the elementary school, through the pickup lane.

Every child attending the elementary school will need to follow that, Cox said.

An image of the Panguitch City and school evacuation plan. The plan was handed out to residents at a town hall meeting on April 10, 2024. (Courtesy: Department of Public Safety)
An image of the Panguitch City and school evacuation plan. The plan was handed out to residents at a town hall meeting on April 10, 2024. (Courtesy: Department of Public Safety)

At the high school, 100 South will continue as a one-way eastbound street in front of the high school. The students that drive are permitted to drive themselves away from the school, with siblings only.

As they travel eastbound, Cox asked they turn at the intersection at 400 east and 100 south and go north toward center street, to return home.

“This is something we have time to do,” he said. “This does not need to be rushed.”

If the dam is breached, there is roughly two hours before the water hits the city, Cox said, asking the community to remain orderly.

He also asked people choose to go southbound on Highway 89, should the situation require evacuation.

What is the county doing?

The Garfield County Commissioner said they have road crews on scene, placing rock on the top two feet that are areas of concern on the dam. If it moves, he said, there is support.

Additionally, he said an emergency declaration was issued today, meaning funding sources from the state and federal government can be opened up if needed.

While he said no plan is perfect, the city of Panguitch is prepared.

“We’ll be there to help each other get through it. I trust the plan,” he said.

For more information, including dam updates, the full town hall meeting can be viewed via the video below.

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