Overview
J-U-B performed improvements to this debris basin dam. The Payson Canyon watershed was burned in the Pole Creek wildfire, and upgrades to the facility were greatly needed. The improvements enhance the dam from both a safety and maintenance perspective. The work included upgrades to the concrete structures, the earthen embankment for access, and other improvements such as a floating debris boom. Inspection of this dam’s outlet and spillway is anticipated to be very similar in size and scope to the SLCo outfall inspections.
Post-Wildfire Infrastructure Needs
In 2018, a large portion of the watershed contributing to Peteetneet Creek, which passes through the Payson Canyon Debris Basin, was burned in the Pole Creek wildfire. While the watershed vegetation has partially recovered, Utah County maintenance personnel continued seeing increased volumes of debris flow into the basin. During large rainfall events and spring runoff seasons, the amount of material that accumulated in the basin was too difficult to maintain.
Improvements for Safety and Maintenance
Utah County employed J-U-B to obtain funding for infrastructure improvements at the basin. These improvements included a floating boom debris barrier, removal and replacement of safety fences and rails, floodlight and camera installation for monitoring purposes, a traffic-rated, fill-supported maintenance ramp, a box culvert with a slanted trash rack facing upstream, and electric actuators for easier operation. J-U-B made sure to follow FEMA funding guidelines and obtain environmental clearances before commencing the work.
