Recent Updates (as of 08/15/24)
- Precipitation this summer has been underwhelming for most of the state. Heat has also been a major issue over the past months. Continued water conservation efforts are crucial as demand for water increases during these hotter months.
- According to the August Climate and Water Report produced by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, statewide soil moisture at Utah’s Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) sites ended July at 39% of saturation. Concerningly, this is in the bottom 10th percentile of all observations since Utah’s SCAN sites were installed. Recent storms have increased soil moisture, however, more is needed to bring soil moisture up to near-normal levels.
- Summer monsoons had a hopeful start this year. Unfortunately, July precipitation was disappointing. All basins in the state, excluding the Raft in northwestern Utah, have had below-average precipitation. Temperatures have been warmer than average over the past 60 days. Higher daytime temperatures also mean higher night temperatures.
- Statewide, reservoirs are currently 82% full on average. This level is around 18% higher than normal and 3% higher than this time last year. While this is a welcome sight, recreating on reservoirs can be dangerous without proper safety precautions. The most important safety tip is to always wear a life jacket while on the water. About 80% of boating fatalities occur because boaters were not wearing life jackets. Visit the Utah Division of Recreation’s life jackets and boating safety webpage for more information.
- The south arm of Great Salt Lake has dropped nearly two feet since its peak in May. Typically, the lake level fluctuates 2.5 feet annually, peaking during spring runoff and dropping to a seasonal low in October or November. This drop is mostly due to evaporation and water flowing to the lake’s north arm.
- 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 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.