Recapture Creek
Recapture Creek is an earth dam located in San Juan County, Utah, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Recapture Creek
The primary purpose of Recapture Creek is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by San Juan Water Conservancy District (local government). It impounds the Recapture Creek near None - Drains To San.
The dam stands 142 feet tall and stretches 2,900 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 12,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 61 square miles. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 years 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 09/28/2023.
At 142 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | San Juan |
| Nearest City | None - Drains To San |
| River/Stream | Recapture Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.66518, -109.43901 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 142 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 12,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,820 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 61 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 147 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | SAN JUAN WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/28/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | UT00517 |
| Federal ID | UT00517 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |