The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is to conduct a field exploration programme at East Canyon dam in Utah, US, to investigate the condition of the bedrock.
USBR drill crews and geologists will oversee the drilling of several exploratory holes on the right abutment of the dam in late June or early July. Instruments will also be installed to allow for future monitoring of the foundation.
The work is being conducted under the authority of the Safety of Dams Act of 1978. This programme ensures that all USBR’s dams receive periodic examinations and evaluations to ensure early detection of any potential dam safety problems. Data gained from this programme will be used to provide better input to risk assessments and performance parameters for the dam.
East Canyon dam was completed in 1966 as part of the Weber Basin project. The structure is a thin concrete dam 79.2m high and 132.9m long, and impounds a reservoir of 63.1Mm3.