St. Johns had its irrigation troubles, just as did every other Little
Colorado settlement, only on a larger scale. In the beginning of the
Mormon settlement, claim was made by the Mexicans upon the larger part of
the river flow. Later there was compromise on a basis of three-fifths of
the flow to the Mormons and two-fifths to the Mexicans, and in 1886 a
degree of stability was secured by formation of the St. Johns Irrigation
Company. A large dam, six miles south of St. Johns, created what was
called the Slough reservoir. However, this dam was washed out in 1903,
after years of drought. Then were several years of discouragement and of
loss of population.
Thereafter came the idea of building a larger dam at a point twelve miles
upstream, creating a reservoir to be drained through a deep cut. The plan
was approved by the Church, which appropriated $5000 toward construction.
There was formation of an irrigation company, to which was attached the
name of Apostle F.M. Lyman, who had taken a personal interest in the
improvement. A Colorado company provided one-half the necessary capital
and the community the balance, and plans were made for the reclamation of
15,000 acres upon higher land than had been irrigated before. After
expenditure of $200,000, the dam was completed and the reservoir filled.
Construction was faulty and in April, 1915, the dam was washed away, with
attendant loss of eight lives and with large damage to flooded farms
below. There was reorganization of the Lyman Company and about $200,000
more was spent, with the desired end of water storage still unreached.
Then came appeal to the State, which, through the State Loan Board,
advanced large sums, taking as security mortgages on the land and dam.
State investment in the Lyman project today approximates $800,000. The
dam now is about finished and is claimed to be a structure that will
stand all flood conditions.