Kennecott Smelter Kessler Cnyn #10

About Kennecott Smelter Kessler Cnyn #10

The primary purpose of Kennecott Smelter Kessler Cnyn #10 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Kennecott Utah Copper, Llc (private). It impounds the Kessler Canyon near Kennecott Smelter.

The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 1,740 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 295 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1937, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/15/2022.

At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.

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