Flood hazards from lakes and failures of dams in Utah (M-111)

By: K. M. Harty and G. E. Christenson

Parts of Utah are subject to lake-flooding hazards from large fluctuations of lake shorelines and intermittent flooding of dry lakes, mud/salt flats, and marshes. The greatest potential for damage from lake flooding is along the Wasatch Front, where much of Utah’s population is in close proximity to Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. Lake-flooding hazard elsewhere is more localized and generally confined to the topographically lowest portions of closed basins in western Utah. The map identifies areas subject to such flooding and is intended as a guide to local governments and regulatory agencies to indicate general hazard areas. For planning purposes, it is advisable to perform detailed studies to further assess the hazard and, if necessary, recommend mitigation measures in these areas.

Flooding may occur downstream from dams in the event of a damn failure, and the potential flooded areas for which studies area are available are shown on the map. Inundation studies have been completed for only a small percentage of dams in Utah, and many more areas than are shown are at risk. The purpose of illustrating these areas is to inform planners, regulatory agencies, community officials, hazard mitigation and emergency response personnel, and private citizens of the potential hazard from dam failures.

Other Information:
Published: 1988
Pages: 8 p.
Plates: 1 pl.
Scale: 1:750,000
Location: State
Media Type: Paper Map