Huge Crack in Dam Forces Officials to Release Water

Officials aren't planning to complete permanent repairs to a crack in Utah's Panguitch Lake Dam until after spring snowmelt, meaning that officials have to consistently release water from the dam to keep levels below the fracture.

A flash-flood watch was issued for portions of the state on Monday after officials discovered the 60-foot-long crack in the dam, which imperiled its integrity. Although the damage doesn't warrant evacuations, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) has declared it a Level 2 Emergency, meaning there is potential for dam failure. The Level 2 status will persist until repairs are complete, though it's uncertain when they can begin.

The Level 2 Emergency is part of a three-point scale established by the West Panguitch Irrigation Company, which owns and operates the dam. Newsweek reached out to company President Allen Henrie via phone for comment.

However, the crack will remain without permanent repair until after the spring runoff ceases. Utah Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Cameron Roden told Newsweek that dam officials will monitor water levels throughout the spring runoff period.

"Snow in the mountains has yet to come down," Roden said. "So [officials] will work to control [Panguitch Lake] levels throughout spring run-off."

Officials will evaluate inflow to the lake and match the dam's outflow to ensure the water level remains below the split. Water will be captured downstream and shouldn't have any impact on drought.

Despite a Level 2 Emergency remaining in place, Utah Division of Emergency Management Public Information Officer Wade Matthews told Newsweek that the urgency around evacuations has relaxed, as officials wanted to "eliminate that stress and pressure" for residents.

"That's a long time to ask people to evacuate at a moment's notice," he said. "The urgency has passed."

The agency, however, urges residents stay mindful. "Preparedness is a good mindset, a good lifestyle," Matthews said.

Public safety officials have encouraged residents in the impacted areas to stay informed, familiarize themselves with evacuation routes, ensure their emergency kits including food, water, prescriptions and important documents are ready, and inform friends and family residing in the evacuation area.

If evacuations are necessary, residents should proceed east toward Hatch, Utah.

Highway 143 to Panguitch Lake has reopened, and Matthews said businesses in Panguitch are open for business. However, lake recreation like ice fishing has been impacted by the dam crack. Since water levels are declining due to water releases, ice is thinning on the lake, prompting officials to cancel ice fishing due to safety concerns.

The fracture was identified after Utah dams received a C+ grade from the Utah Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2020. The grade implies that Utah infrastructure was "mediocre" and needed attention, according to a report by ABC 4.