SALEM, Utah County — A canal was breached Tuesday because of a gopher problem, sending a rush of water downhill and causing a scare for Salem residents.
The Highline Canal breach was reported about 11 a.m. at 250 W. 1320 South. Water flooded a nearby orchard and soaked a pasture, but didn't affect residents' homes, city officials said.
The federal Bureau of Reclamation said gophers made tunnels in the side of its 99-year-old canal, causing the breach.
The Highline Canal is used to transport water for agricultural purposes in Utah County, according to the bureau.
City workers in Salem and volunteers began readying sandbags and other supplies to mitigate any flooding, but the escaped water never reached any homes before the breach was attended to, the city said.
— Ben Lockhart