Red Butte Dam

RED BUTTE CREEK· Salt Lake, Utah· Built 1930· Earth·
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Red Butte Dam is classified as high hazard in Utah. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length435 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage565 acre-ft
Normal Storage385 acre-ft
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge39 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDUT10101

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 8, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Utah Division of Water Rights

Ownership

SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Red Butte Dam?

Red Butte Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Red Butte Dam?

Red Butte Dam is owned by SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Red Butte Dam built?

Red Butte Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Red Butte Dam?

Red Butte Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Red Butte Dam last inspected?

Red Butte Dam was last inspected on September 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.