Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S)

BIG COTTONWOOD CREEK· Salt Lake, Utah· Built 1984· Earth·
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) is classified as high hazard in Utah. It was completed in 1984 and is 42 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length1,420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage132 acre-ft
Normal Storage79 acre-ft
Drainage Area48 sq mi
Max Discharge1,030 cfs
Year Completed1984 (42 years old)
NID IDUT00090

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: July 13, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Utah Division of Water Rights

Ownership

SALT LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S)?

Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) 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 Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S)?

Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) is owned by SALT LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) built?

Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) was completed in 1984, making it 42 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 Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S)?

Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) last inspected?

Salt Lake Co.-Big Cottonwood (Spencer`S) was last inspected on July 13, 2022. 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.