Recent Updates (as of 04/23/25)
- Utah reached this year’s snowpack peak on March 23 at 14.3 inches, which is equal to the state’s typical annual peak. Southwestern Utah continues to experience extreme drought conditions.
- Southwestern Utah’s snowpack was only about 44% of normal, and winter temperatures were 2 degrees Fahrenheit higher than normal.
- Reservoir storage is at 84% of capacity, which will help the state weather drought. However, drought is unpredictable, and taking proactive measures to prepare is critical.
- Currently, severe drought covers 38% of the state, and 4% is in extreme drought.
- Mother Nature is doing her part. We need to continue to do ours and look for ways to use our water supply efficiently and become more drought resilient.
- In Utah, we are either in drought or preparing for the next one, so we always need to use our water wisely.
Current Conditions
Reservoir Levels
Reservoirs collect and store water for drinking, irrigation for farms and ranches, and provide minimum flows for fish health.
Snowpack
95% of Utah’s water comes from snowpack. The NRCS Snow Survey Program provides mountain snowpack data critical for water supply management, conservation planning, drought prediction and more.
Drought Monitor
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a national drought map that categorizes drought into four categories: moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional.
Water Conditions Monitoring
The Division of Water Resources, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, and the Utah Climate Center host a committee to collect weather conditions around the state.
Wildfire
In Utah, more than half of the wildfires are human-caused. Please be vigilant and use good Fire Sense to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
Great Salt Lake
Extended drought conditions contributed to the decline of lake elevation levels. The Great Salt Lake website centralizes the tools, efforts and organizations that are working to protect and preserve the lake.
Be Waterwise
Weekly Lawn Watering Guide
This guide uses data based on weather patterns to customize watering recommendations for each county.
Slow the Flow
Water-saving tips, tools and rebates to help Utahns slow the flow and use this precious resource wisely.
Impacts & Restrictions
Recreational Impacts
Low water levels can impact recreation. Know before you go and avoid boat ramp closures and other surprises.
Your Water Supply
Water sources and conditions vary across the state. Restrictions are determined and enforced at the local level, which allows for customization according to the area’s water supply conditions.
Wildlife & Agriculture Impacts
Drought affects fish, wildlife and agriculture. For example, as water levels drop, water heats up and can be fatal to fish, which may result in changes to fishing limits. Cuts to water use may also impact farmers.
Water Rights
Utah follows the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation, meaning water is delivered based on seniority. Prior appropriation provides a clear framework for allocating water during times of scarcity – “first in time, first in right”.