There has been significant progress with the construction on Steinaker Dam, so much so that the reservoir is already slowly being filled. According to General Manager of the Uintah Water Conservancy District William Merkley, they were able to start filling the reservoir a few weeks ago and have completed filling the deadpool. “The reservoir has raised to the point that we can pass water through the outlet structure and start a portion of the delivery on the service canal,” explains Merkley. Original plans were that there would be no filling in 2019 but the contractors gave the go ahead early as progress moved quickly on construction. While the water will continue to raise throughout the summer, this does not mean that the public is welcome in the reservoir yet. “The Bureau of Reclamation has rules on how fast you can fill and so we are not sure when the public will have access again,” shares Merkley. “It is still very much a construction zone around the dam.” State Parks have not shared yet when the reservoir will reopen to the public.
