Hatchtown Dam, built on the Sevier River, was intended to provide a constant and reliable water supply to farmers near the town of Hatch located in south-central Utah. Originally constructed in 1900 by a private irrigation company to help settle the arid west, the dam failed soon after construction. Demonstrating the “never say die” pioneer spirit, irrigators quickly rebuilt the dam only to see it fail again in 1901.
The dam site remained untouched until 1906, when the Utah Board of Land Commissioners and the State Engineer undertook the construction of the third dam to occupy the site. The dam was designed to be 60 feet tall and create a 13,000 acre-foot reservoir. Construction of this third dam was completed in 1908 and operated for 6 years before it failed on May 25, 1914.
During its operational life the dam had issues with seepage, a partial slope failure, and mechanical malfunctions. It was reported that dynamite was used to “shoot out” the gates when a coupling pin was dislodged and rendered one of the gates inoperable.
The site has remained untouched for over 100 years. The spillway structure and remnants of the concrete culvert can still be seen today. Recent discussions amongst state and county officials in Utah indicate a renewed desire to construct a dam at the site.
The presentation will cover the construction, failure, and aftermath of the Hatchtown Dam with discussion on the current desire to rebuild the dam.
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