OCR Text |
Show structed to impound water for irrigation and municipal use. Most of the reservoirs are privately owned and operated or are owned by the United States and operated by water users* associations. The contracts under which these reservoirs were constructed do not provide for their operation for flood control and the owners and operators of such reservoirs are under no legal obligation to so operate their facilities. Snow surveys on our major watersheds, have in the past and will in the future, indicate some time in advance of a flood whether a flood is likely. In situations such as that in 1952, water could be released from existing storage reservoirs to provide space for anticipated flood water, and much damage could be prevented by timely action. In the past, operators of many reservoirs have voluntarily released water to provide capacity for impoundment of flood water, but there is no state law under which such action can be required. It is, of course, recognized that the reservoir operators should not be required to take the risk of emptying their reservoirs to take care of flood waters. Committee Findings The studies of the committee indicate that in some years the state, counties, cities and private land owners have sustained losses aggregating millions of dollars because of the failure of all concerned to control floods. Two possible solutions to the problem have been suggested: ( 1) The construction of additional flood control works, ( 2) emergency control of existing dams, canals, and other works in case of flood. It cannot be anticipated where and when disasterous floods will strike and it does not appear feasible at this time for the State of Utah to undertake the tremendous and expensive task of constructing flood control works to supplement the present construction program of the Army Engineers. However, it would in most cases greatly reduce flood damage if some state official were given the duty of controlling existing dams and other works in time of flood. The committee has, therefore, con- - 26- |