Evacuation notice lifted around Panguitch Lake as dam conditions improve
PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — Once threatening residents of southeast Utah, the water levels at Panguitch Dam are greatly encouraged by their progress.
In an update provided Friday afternoon, the Utah Department of Public Services said the measures taken to address a crack in the dam have so far been effective. Over the last two days, the water levels at the dam have dropped close to six inches and authorities are planning to lower it by another several feet over the next week.
DPS officials said crews completed work to extend the rock supports across the affected section of the dam and ice chunks pushing against the wall have been removed. As of Friday morning, water levels dropped eight inches and crews continue to release as much water as possible.
Overall, the work has helped bring the dam’s eight-degree tilt back to a title of just over one-degree. DPS said that the work “greatly improved the dam’s stability until permanent modifications can be made.”
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Aside from the crack that appeared in the expanded portion of the dam, DPS said no infrastructure has been damaged or lost. The increased flow into Panguitch Creek did cause some minor washouts but those issues were managed and controlled. Officials said there is no reason to believe there will be any catastrophic problems.
As concerns over a potential breach and flooding ease, the evacuation notice for Panguitch City and its surrounding areas has been lifted. In addition, SR-143 has been reopened to regular traffic, though certain areas, such as North Shore Road and the area around Panguitch Lake remain closed.
Marilyn Bulkley Park will also be closed until further notice and crews are not allowing for ice fishing on Panguitch Lake.
“I am confident with the result of our mitigation efforts to effectively reduce the pressure on the Panguitch Lake dam and the potential for an uncontrolled release,” said Garfield County Sheriff Eric Houston. “That work allows us to lift the evacuation notice, but I do urge people to stay prepared for this and other types of hazards.”
Authorities still urge community members to stay informed and stay ready. For anyone who still wishes to be prepared, sand and sandbags are available at the local LDS church house at 550 South 100 West.
Emergency crews will remain on scene and continue monitoring the dam as the spring runoff begins. Once the runoff starts to slow down, engineering and plans will be developed for permanent repairs to the cracked areas of the Panguitch Lake Damn.
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