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A dam in Utah is undergoing emergency repairs after a massive crack opened this week, allowing a surge of water to pass through.
The Panguitch Lake Dam in southwestern Utah has developed a 60-foot-long crack that is allowing excess water to flood a nearby stream, posing an existential threat to the nearby towns of Panguitch and Circleville.
The crack was discovered Monday night during an inspection and announced to the public the next day.
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Dam operators are draining the reservoir at 260 cubic feet per second to bring the water level below the crack area.
Workers have also piled rocks over approximately 45 feet of the crack on the downstream side to maintain its integrity.
The dam is believed to be structurally stable and state officials say they do not expect an emergency, but have told nearby residents to remain prepared for an evacuation.
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“I can’t say that the emergency situation has been completely averted, but I am very, very encouraged by the progress we have made today,” said Utah Division of Water Rights Assistant State Engineer Everett Taylor.
A hypothetical evacuation would be announced by sirens and a coordinated door-to-door campaign by law enforcement.
“This can be ordered,” said Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Jacob Cox said. “If the warning is that the dam has broken or breached, we have time. It is estimated that there are approximately two hours left before those floods actually flood the city.
“We got through that and we’re going to get through this,” said Panguitch Mayor Kim Soper. “It’s just a different emergency.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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