News Release Archive

Reclamation completes safety modifications at Steinaker Dam and resumes normal operations

Media Contact: Marlon Duke, 801-524-3774, mduke@usbr.gov
Wayne Pullan, 801-379-1100, wpullan@usbr.gov

For Release: October 02, 2019

VERNAL, UTAH – Dam safety modifications at Steinaker Dam are substantially complete and the Bureau of Reclamation has returned to full normal operations at the reservoir. In July 2018, Reclamation began modification work to repair a slope failure on the upstream face of the right abutment by flattening the abutment slope. Other modifications included extending the outlet works intake to accommodate the flattened embankment, re-coating the outlet work gates and installing a new hydraulic system for gate operation.

Dam safety modifications were performed by Weeminuche Construction Authority Inc., located in Towaoc, Colorado and owned and operated by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

“I’m impressed by the hard work and technical capabilities of both Weeminuche Construction Authority and the Reclamation employees who worked on this project,” said Wayne Pullan, Provo Area Office Manager. “With these improvements, Reclamation, the Uintah Basin Water Conservancy District and the basin’s water users can all look forward to the continued safe and successful operation of this facility.”

The dam, which is owned by Reclamation and operated by the Uintah Water Conservancy District, provides off-stream water storage from Ashley Creek and is an important feature of the Vernal Unit of the Central Utah Project. The dam and reservoir provide certainty and reliability for water users in the Uintah Basin—delivering 15,000 acre-feet of water each year for irrigation. The reservoir also provides excellent fishing, boating, water skiing and other recreational opportunities.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

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