Koosharem
Koosharem is an earth dam located in Sevier County, Utah, built in 1919. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Koosharem
The primary purpose of Koosharem is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Koosharem Irrigation Company (private). It impounds the Otter Creek near Koosharem.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,950 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,369 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 63 square miles. Completed in 1919, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/14/2023.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Utah dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Utah |
| County | Sevier |
| Nearest City | Koosharem |
| River/Stream | Otter Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.59184, -111.84575 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,369 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,369 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,044 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 63 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 58 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | KOOSHAREM IRRIGATION COMPANY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/14/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | UT00165 |
| Federal ID | UT00165 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |