Recent Updates (as of 04/08/26)
- Utah’s snowpack is the lowest on record and peaked three weeks early. The state’s peak was on March 9 at 8.4 inches, which is about half of what the state typically receives by the beginning of April. Weather forecasts suggest that snowmelt will outpace any new snow the state might receive.
- Water conservation remains critical as water managers prepare to rely on existing reservoir storage to meet summer demands. Reservoir storage averages 73% full, which is slightly higher than normal for this time of year but a decrease from the 82% recorded last year.
- As noted in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s April 1st Water Supply Outlook Report, every major basin in Utah had record-low SWE as of April 1st, and some were almost completely melted-out. Most of Utah’s 140 individual SNOTEL sites were at record-low SWE, with 53 sites (38% of the network) already dried out by then. By one week later, the number of snow-free sites in Utah had increased to 64.
- Currently, 59% of the state is in extreme drought. Additional drought recommendations for communities and water providers are available in the state’s Drought Response Plan.
- In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
- Check out the Department of Natural Resources’ latest article: Drought in Utah
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 weather pattern data to customize watering recommendations for each county, for traditional and low-water lawns.
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”.