Workers in Salt Lake City are rushing to shore up a rural Utah dam after a 60-foot crack caused water to pour into a creek, threatening the downstream city of Panguitch. While officials believe the dam is not in imminent danger of breaking, residents have been advised to be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen. Emergency management officials have distributed evacuation procedures to residents in an effort to calm fears and ensure safety.
Efforts to lower the reservoir below the affected area are underway, although the process is expected to take several days. Workers have covered nearly 45 feet of the crack with boulders, with about 2 feet of water remaining above the crack as of Wednesday evening. An ice sheet on the reservoir caused the crack to form and push water through the opening, but relief efforts have helped to stabilize the situation.
The breach risk at the Panguitch Lake Dam has been classified as a level 2, indicating the potential for dam failure. In the event of a breach, state and local law enforcement will work with the Red Cross to evacuate Panguitch and other nearby towns. Residents have been assured that they will have ample time to gather their belongings and evacuate safely, with sirens signaling the need for evacuation and emergency shelters being established at nearby locations.
The dam, constructed in the late 1800s with additional work in the 1930s and 1940s, had undergone annual inspections without any previous concerns about its structural integrity. The recent crack came as a surprise to officials, who are now reviewing past inspection records for any signs of potential issues. Panguitch Mayor Kim Soper has urged residents to avoid the creek receiving runoff from the reservoir due to the heightened water level, emphasizing the need for safety precautions during this emergency situation.
Overall, the response to the dam crack in Panguitch has been focused on stabilizing the situation, ensuring the safety of residents, and preparing for potential evacuation if conditions worsen. While the situation is being closely monitored, officials are hopeful that the measures being taken will prevent any further damage or threats to the downstream communities. The coordinated efforts of state and local leaders, emergency management officials, and law enforcement agencies demonstrate a commitment to protecting the well-being of residents in the face of this unexpected emergency.
