CEDAR CITY — The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office issued an urgent public safety announcement Tuesday evening regarding the current status of the Panguitch Lake dam.

“We have escalated our monitoring to a Level 2 Emergency Situation due to potential risks identified with the dam’s integrity,” the department announced in a social media post. “This decision is based on the latest assessments by our team of experts. It is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in the vicinity.”

What does a Level 2 emergency mean?

According to the alert, a Level 2 Emergency Situation indicates that there is a potential for dam failure. While there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve.

“We are closely monitoring the dam and are prepared to escalate our response if necessary,” the sheriff’s office statement said.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, issued a flash flood watch for Panguitch Creek at 9:28 p.m. Tuesday. “Flash flooding caused by a potential dam failure is possible at the Panguitch Lake Dam” for “a portion of Utah, including the following areas: Southern Mountains and Upper Sevier River Valleys.” Brian Head, Alton, Koosharem, Circleville and Panguitch are specified in the alert.

Preparation and possible evacuation

Garfield County Emergency Management officials are currently coordinating with emergency management personnel and local authorities to prepare for any potential outcomes.

“It is crucial that residents of Panguitch and surrounding areas be prepared for a possible evacuation should we reach a Level 3 situation, which would indicate imminent dam failure,” the statement said.

How to prepare

Authorities urge the following, according to the statement:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from official channels. Emergency management will communicate through all available resources, including reverse 911 calls, social media platforms and local news outlets.
• Evacuation plan: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes. Should evacuation be necessary, residents should proceed east towards Hatch as the primary evacuation route.
• Emergency kits: Ensure emergency kits are ready and contain essential items such as water, food, medications and important documents.
• Inform others: Take some time to notify family, friends and neighbors in the area to ensure they are prepared and have any assistance that may be needed.

Next steps

State and county teams are working to monitor the situation and implement all necessary precautions.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, follow all safety instructions, and prepare for the possibility of evacuation,” the statement advises. “We understand the concern and inconvenience this situation may cause and assure you that the safety of our community is our highest priority. We are committed to providing timely and accurate information as the situation evolves.”

The statement adds that should a failure occur, “We feel there is plenty of time to conduct an orderly evacuation before the water reaches Panguitch.”

For more information and updates, visit the Garfield County website or the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Updated 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9: Adds National Weather Service flash flood watch.

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