Flash Flood Watch issued for potential Panguitch Lake Dam failure in southern Utah, affecting low-lying areas along Panguitch Creek.

⚠️A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for the potential failure of Panguitch Lake Dam in southern Utah.

Affected areas include low-lying areas along Panguitch Creek.

Stay informed, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, and ensure your emergency kits are ready. #utwx

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) April 10, 2024

GARFIELD COUNTY, Utah — Cracks in the Panguitch Lake Dam are causing concern for a possible dam failure, but officials said Wednesday that the issues are only in an expansion portion of the structure and not likely to cause a complete failure.

On Monday, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office shared the Panguitch Lake Dam was damaged, resulting in “transverse cracking on the upper portion of the dam.”

In the latest update, the Utah Department of Public Safety said the cracking was contained to a 2-5 foot expansion section of the dam that had started to tilt. This was caused by high water levels and ice pressure, officials said.

“The main portion of the dam is intact. The affected area is an expansion that was added to the top of the dam in the 1930s/40s. If a failure did occur, only this top 2-5 feet would likely breach. A complete dam breach is not likely or anticipated,” a press release on Wednesday stated.

https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/emergency-situation-as-panguitch-lake-dam-damaged