Preston Lower Dam

About Preston Lower Dam

The primary purpose of Preston Lower Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Preston Irrigation Company (private). It impounds the White River-tr near Preston.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 2,050 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 24 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10 square miles. Completed in 1932, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/28/2021.

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