Situation Worsens at Panguitch Lake Dam

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, issued a public service announcement regarding the on-going situation at Panguitch Lake Dam, elevating the crisis to a Level 2 Emergency Situation "due to potential risks identified with the dam's integrity."

Level 2 indicates that "there is a potential for dam failure."

The statement went on to say, "while there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve.

As of yet, there have been not evacuations, but the sheriff's office warned residents of "Panguitch and surrounding areas to be prepared for a possible evacuation should [circumstances merit] a Level 3 situation situation, which would indicate imminent dam failure."

The sheriff's office also issued an evacuation map of Panguitch town, ahead of possible action.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for areas below the dam in light of a potential breech.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office also urged residents to enroll in the county's reverse 911 system.