Recent Updates (as of 02/21/23)
- According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service in their latest report, Utah is now guaranteed to have an above-normal snowpack! From now until the onset of snowmelt, every additional inch of snow will push the state farther above normal. The only years that have had more snow at the beginning of February since the SNOTEL network was installed were 1984 and 1997.
- January precipitation in Utah was well above normal at 196%, making it one of the best winters in the past 20 years! 2017 and 2005 were slightly better than 2023.
- Great Salt Lake has risen a foot and a half since its historic low two set in early November 2022. This is due to direct precipitation and inflows to the lake. For context, the lake rose just over a foot all of last year. We are off to a good start as we look toward spring runoff!
- On Feb. 3, Gov. Cox issued an executive order to raise the Great Salt Lake causeway berm from 4,187 feet to 4,192 feet. The purpose of raising the earth fill berm is to take advantage of the above normal snowpack this year and capture as much water from the spring runoff as possible. Raising the berm helps prevent hyper saline water in the north arm of the lake from flowing into the less salty south arm. This temporary measure will have impacts to the lake level of the north arm. However, the north arm does not support the same ecosystem and is already at or near saturation of salinity. The north arm has a thicker mineral crust that is not as prone to erosion. It is very likely that the berm management plan, which is part of the governor’s executive order, will include periodic strategic releases of water to the north arm when conditions support the release.
- Twenty-four of the 47 reservoirs the division monitors are below 55%, which is about the same as last year but still about 10% lower than normal for this time of year.
- Of the 63 measured streams, 24 are currently flowing below normal. The number of streams measured has decreased due to ice on the stream gauges.
- Residents can find water-saving tips at SlowtheFlow.Org.
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.
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
The Division of Water Rights is responsible for distributing Utah’s water to those entitled to use it. When there is not enough water to meet all demands, water rights are satisfied in the order they were first established.