Holmes
Holmes is an earth dam located in Davis County, Utah, built in 1922. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Holmes
The primary purpose of Holmes is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Holmes Creek Irrigation Company (private). It impounds the North Fork Holmes Creek near Layton.
The dam stands 66 feet tall and stretches 476 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,420 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1922, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/17/2023.
At 66 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Davis |
| Nearest City | Layton |
| River/Stream | North Fork Holmes Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.07185, -111.91578 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 66 ft |
| Dam Length | 476 ft |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,420 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,420 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,100 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 112 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | HOLMES CREEK IRRIGATION COMPANY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/17/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | UT00142 |
| Federal ID | UT00142 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |