Dam damage prompts ‘Level 2 Emergency Situation’ for residents — Here’s what it means
UPDATE 10:16 p.m. — The National Weather Service of Salt Lake City posted on social media Tuesday night to say a flash flood watch was issued “for the potential failure of Panguitch Lake Dam in southern Utah.”
NWS said low-lying areas along Panguitch Creek are affected, in addition to reminding residents to keep informed and be prepared.
ORIGINAL STORY: PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office posted an “urgent public safety announcement” on Tuesday night after the Panguitch Lake Dam was discovered to have a large crack in it.
The sheriff’s office said its monitoring of the situation was updated to a Level 2 Emergency Situation around 6 p.m. on Tuesday “due to potential risks identified with the dam’s integrity.”
LEARN MORE: Utah dams were given a C+. Here’s what else you should know.
Officials said the emergency designation was precautionary, and was aimed to ensure the safety of nearby residents.
What is a Level 2 Emergency Situation?
According to the sheriff’s office, a Level 2 Emergency Situation means that there is potential for dam failure.
“While there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve,” the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Officials said they are prepared to “escalate” their response if the situation calls for it.
How to prepare for possible dam failure
“It is crucial that residents of Panguitch and surrounding areas be prepared for a possible evacuation should we reach a Level 3 situation, which would indicate dam failure,” officials said.
The sheriff’s office urged residents to stay informed, have an evacuation plan, have emergency kits and inform others.
PREVIOUS STORY: Utah highway closed after crack found in Panguitch Lake dam
Officials said they will communicate “through all available resources,” including social media and local news outlets.
“Should evacuation be necessary, residents should proceed east towards Hatch as the primary evacuation route,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said it is continuing to monitor the situation and urged residents to follow instructions and be prepared.
“Please know that if a failure occurs, we feel there is plenty of time to conduct an orderly evacuation before the water reaches Panguitch,” officials said.
A fact sheet from FEMA about potential dam failures is available online.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
