Officials ‘encouraged’ by latest update on Panguitch Lake Dam [Video]

PANGUITCH, Garfield County — Officials said they were encouraged Wednesday evening following the latest update on efforts to stabilize a compromised section of Panguitch Lake Dam.

State, county and city leaders briefed the community at a meeting at Panguitch High School.

“The affected area is the upper portion, section of the upper wall of the dam — approximately 60 feet long, 2 to 5 feet tall,” explained Everett Taylor, assistant state engineer over dam safety with the Utah Division of Water Rights. “(It) was beginning to tilt or rotate toward the downstream, causing a concern for an uncontrolled release of a portion of the reservoir.”

Taylor described a multipronged approach to dealing with the problem, including releasing water through a low-level outlet, breaking up the ice sheet in strategic areas to alleviate pressure on the dam and stabilizing the area of the wall that was rotating.

“I’m very encouraged with the progress that has been made today,” Taylor said. …