Recent Updates (as of 11/01/23)
- Record snow has made a big dent in our drought conditions. Last year 52% of the state was in “extreme” drought.
- Today, we don’t have anywhere in the “extreme” drought category, and just 7% is “moderately dry,” and 73% isn’t experiencing any drought.
- We’ve received more than twice as much water this year (30”) than we received last year (12”). 15.8 is average.
- This winter officially broke the 1952 record, making this year’s snowpack the deepest ever measured in Utah.
- Statewide reservoir storage is at 77%, a considerable improvement from last year’s 45% at this time. For context, the normal storage level for this period is around 57%. The commendable progress in reservoir levels can be attributed to diligent water management practices, complemented by an unprecedented snowpack.
- Reservoirs store water during wet years for use during dry years. Our reservoir storage helped us get through the last two years of extreme drought. Careful use of this great snowpack will ensure that we have water later.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Great Salt Lake
Extended drought conditions contributed to the decline of lake elevation levels. The Great Salt Lake website centralizes the organizations, tools and work that strive 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
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.