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PANGUITCH — City officials announced Friday the evacuation notice for Panguitch and surrounding areas has been lifted as the dam mitigation efforts have been successful.
Officials first warned residents about potential evacuation on Tuesday when an emergency alert was issued for potential dam failure at Panguitch Lake. City officials found cracks in the upper portion of the dam Monday night, causing material to rotate and tilt downstream.
"Authorities urge community members to stay informed should situations change," the Department of Public Safety said. "Although the conditions have been lifted, residents in affected areas are encouraged to remain in a heightened condition of readiness."
Since Monday, the city and county have implemented a three-part approach in mitigation efforts that included building a buttress across the affected section of the dam, breaking up ice along the lake to reduce pressure and releasing water to lower the reservoir level.
According to the Department of Public Safety, the water level has dropped by 8 inches and the tilted section has gone from an 8-degree tilt to just over 1 degree.
Once the water level is below the 2- to 5-foot damaged section, a full assessment will be conducted to determine dam repairs.
"I am confident with the results of our mitigation efforts to effectively reduce the pressure on the Panguitch Lake dam and the potential for an uncontrolled release. That work allows us to lift the evacuation notice, but I do urge people to stay prepared for this and other types of hazards," Garfield County Sheriff Eric Houston said. "I want to thank the community for their positive response, support, and patience as we have worked through this situation."
State Route 143 has been reopened to regular traffic, but certain areas will remain closed and are continuing to be monitored. North Shore Road is closed except for property owners, and the area surrounding the dam will remain closed due to continuing unsafe conditions.
Officials encourage all to be cautious near Panguitch Creek as increased water is running through it after being released from the dam.
The Department of Public Safety said the risk of potential failure is significantly reduced, but authorities will monitor conditions at all times, especially as spring runoff has begun.
