Utah is home to 6,500 dams, 223 of which are labeled “high-hazard” by the state’s dam safety program. Almost half, 101, need to be upgraded, according to a local news report.
Some of those high-hazard dams are currently in construction or design, says the report, but 81 are not yet in the queue. Dams are classified as high-hazard if failure would result in people dying.
State officials express concern that as Utah’s population growns, more dams will be categorized as high-hazard, exacerbating the problem.
About the Author
Rod Sutton
Sutton served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment from 2001 through 2025.
Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates