Utah highway closed after crack found in Panguitch Lake dam

PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) — A crack found in the Panguitch Lake Dam has led to officials limiting access to one Utah highway and Panguitch Lake.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said the damage to the dam was found Monday, April 8. The damage reportedly resulted in a cracking on the upper portion of the dam. GCSO along with Panguitch City officials, emergency management and the West Panguitch Irrigation Company are “monitoring the conditions.”

The Sheriff’s Office said the damage is not severe enough for authorities to issue any evacuation notice, but access to the lake and Highway 143 will be limited.

“As a precaution, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has closed Highway 143 and will limit all access to Panguitch Lake,” said the Sheriff’s Office in a press release. “Highway 143 will remain open above Panguitch Lake.”

Emergency personnel stationed at the dam will closely monitor the structure’s conditions. If the conditions worsen, the Sheriff’s Office said an emergency notification will be made through “all available resources.”

Officials did not disclose what may have caused the damage to the dam.