Jordanelle Reservoir | |
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Looking Southwest with Mt Timpanogos in the distance, and US40 road cut on right
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Location | Wasatch County, Utah, US |
Coordinates | 40°37′0″N 111°24′30″W / 40.61667°N 111.40833°WCoordinates: 40°37′0″N 111°24′30″W / 40.61667°N 111.40833°W |
Type | reservoir |
Primary inflows | Provo River |
Primary outflows | Provo River |
Basin countries | United States |
Jordanelle Reservoir is a reservoir in Wasatch County, Utah, United States, just north of Heber City.
Jordanelle Reservoir is fed and drained primarily by the Provo River, and is impounded by the Jordanelle Dam, an Earthen dam. The construction of the dam resulted in the reroutings of U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 189 over the summit of nearby mountains and the submergence of the towns of Keetley and Hailstone.
Construction of the dam started one June 27, 1987 and was completed on April 12, 1993. Jordanelle State Park opened on June 29, 1995. Construction of the dam was challenged by several groups. Conservationists wanted to maintain the natural state of the Provo River. Because of this, a large area at the foot of the dam was converted into an artificial wetland. Other groups were concerned that the site was geologically flawed, citing the catastrophic failure of the Teton Dam in Idaho in 1976. Mining interests in nearby Park City were also concerned, fearing that the reservoir would flood sections of the Ontario silver mine.
During the summer months Jordanelle is a destination for triathletes and runners alike. Because of the State Park's rugged terrain on the Rock Cliff side, sponsors host sprint triathlons in addition to 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) races and ultra marathons.