Middle Creek Dam History

• Middle Creek Dam (aka Hyalite) constructed in 1951
• Owned by DNRC, Managed by SWPB under USFS Special Use
• Permit, operated by Middle Creek Water Users Association
• Primary purpose: Irrigation, downstream municipal
• Dam Height: 125 feet
• Dam Storage: 10,184 acre-feet
• Dam Classification: High Hazard

Project History

The Middle Creek Dam was originally constructed in 1951 and had relatively minor improvements until a significant project was completed in 1992.  This project consisted of raising the dam embankment and gate tower 10 feet, constructing a new spillway and making improvements to the drainage and seepage monitoring system. Funding for this project was through a federal loan.

In August of 2006, a seepage entry location was discovered in the upstream left abutment near the auxiliary spillway. A repair plan was immediately identified and construction occurred immediately.

Project Funding

The total cost of the project was $88,000. To finance the emergency repairs, the following funding was utilized:

•  RRGL Emergency Grant: $30,000
  • Allocated based on the emergency condition of the sinkhole
• Middle Creek Water Users: $20,000
  • Paid using cash reserves

• State Funds: $38,000
  • Only utilized on DNRC owned projects

Project Status & Results

• Emergency repairs were complete in October 2006.

Project Partners

Owner: DNRC

Engineer: DNRC

Contractor: Martin Excavating