Huntington North Dam undergoing changes

The Huntington North Dam, the main feature of the Emery County Project, is undergoing its first major modification since it was constructed more than 50 years ago.

The modifications will connect the existing dam's outlet to a new pressure pipeline, allowing farmers to water more efficiently and effectively through the use of a modern sprinkler system. The modifications will also allow the reservoir to be maintained at a more consistent elevation while providing pressure to the pipeline and benefiting fishing and boating enthusiasts.

Although the future project benefits are significant, they may not be readily apparent now to local residents. The reservoir, which was completely drained in September, remains nearly empty. To maintain the safety of the structure and all personnel working on the project, it has been kept below the level of the intake structure. When connections to the dam are made and adjacent structures are installed, the reservoir will be refilled.

The work at North Dam is part of a larger pressure irrigation system consisting of a series of large-diameter water pipeline under construction in the Huntington area. While work on the overall system will be ongoing, the work at the dam itself should be completed within weeks.