List of dams and reservoirs in Utah facts for kids
Dams and reservoirs are like giant bathtubs and walls that help us store and manage water! In Utah, these amazing structures are super important because they help provide water for drinking, farming, and even fun activities like boating and fishing.
A "major dam" is usually a big one. It's either at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) tall and can hold a lot of water (5,000 acre-feet, which is like 1.6 billion gallons!), or it can hold an even bigger amount of water (25,000 acre-feet) no matter its height. These dams and the reservoirs they create are vital for life in Utah.
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Dams and Reservoirs in Utah
What are Dams and Reservoirs?
Dams are large barriers built across rivers to hold back water. Think of them as very strong walls! The area where the water collects behind the dam is called a reservoir. Reservoirs are like man-made lakes.
Why are Dams and Reservoirs Important?
Dams and reservoirs serve many important purposes. They help us:
- Store water: They collect water during times of heavy rain or snowmelt, so we have enough water during dry seasons.
- Provide drinking water: Many cities and towns get their drinking water from reservoirs.
- Help farmers: The stored water is used to irrigate crops, helping food grow.
- Generate electricity: Some dams have power plants that use the force of falling water to create clean energy.
- Control floods: Dams can hold back excess water during storms, preventing floods downstream.
- Offer recreation: Many reservoirs are popular places for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.
List of Major Dams and Reservoirs in Utah
Utah has many important dams and reservoirs that help manage its water resources. Here is a list of some of the major ones:
- Arthur V. Watkins Dam, Willard Bay
- Big Sand Wash Dam, Big Sand Wash Reservoir
- Browne Lake Dam, Brown Lake
- Causey Dam, Causey Reservoir
- Currant Creek Dam, Currant Creek Reservoir
- Cutler Dam, Cutler Reservoir
- Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir
- East Canyon Dam, East Canyon Reservoir
- Echo Dam, Echo Reservoir
- Flaming Gorge Dam, Flaming Gorge Reservoir
- Goshen Dam, Goshen Reservoir
- Grantsville Dam, Grantsville Reservoir
- Gunlock Dam, Gunlock Reservoir
- Huntington North Dam, Huntington Lake
- Hyrum Dam, Hyrum Reservoir
- Joes Valley Dam, Joes Valley Reservoir
- Jordanelle Dam, Jordanelle Reservoir
- Kolob Creek Dam, Kolob Reservoir
- Lake Mary - Phoebe Dam, Lake Mary
- Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam (this dam is mostly in Arizona but affects Utah)
- Little Dell Dam, Little Dell Reservoir
- Lost Creek Dam, Lost Creek Reservoir
- Lower Enterprise Dam, Enterprise Reservoir
- Midview Dam, Midview Reservoir
- Minersville Dam, Minersville Reservoir
- Mona Dam, Mona Reservoir
- Moon Lake Dam, Moon Lake Reservoir
- Mountain Dell Dam, Mountain Dell Reservoir
- Newton Dam, Newton Reservoir
- Otter Creek Dam, Otter Creek Reservoir
- Panguitch Dam, Panguitch Lake
- Pineview Dam, Pineview Reservoir
- Porcupine Dam, Porcupine Reservoir
- Red Fleet Dam, Red Fleet Reservoir
- Quail Creek Dam, Quail Creek Reservoir
- Scofield Dam, Scofield Reservoir
- Settlement Canyon Dam, Settlement Canyon Reservoir
- Soldier Creek Dam, Strawberry Reservoir
- Starvation Dam, Starvation Reservoir
- Steinaker Dam, Steinaker Reservoir
- Stateline Dam, Stateline Reservoir
- Upper Stillwater Dam, Upper Stillwater Reservoir
- Upper Enterprise Dam, Enterprise Reservoir
- Wanship Dam, Rockport Reservoir
