SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s water outlook presents a mixed picture, with northern reservoirs maintaining strong levels while snowpack and runoff in the southern part of the state remain well below average. Recent storms have bolstered the state’s snow water equivalent to 82% of its normal peak, but meteorologists caution that snowmelt has likely already reached its peak.
“We are seeing our snow water equivalent decline as the state warms up,” said Jonathan Jennings, a meteorologist with the Utah Division of Water Resources in a report released Thursday, March 27. “With the warm week we have had, I don’t anticipate our snow water equivalent to make a rebound above what has already melted in the last couple of days.”
Forecasts from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center indicate that more than half of the state is expected to receive 70-90% of its average water supply, while southwestern Utah is forecasted to see less than 30%.
In Northern Utah, river flows are fairly solid but slightly below average, with the Logan River at 91% of normal and the Blacksmith Fork River at 89%. The Bear River, measured at Woodruff Narrows, is running at 70%, while the Little Bear River is at just 64%.
Reservoir storage remains a bright spot, with levels statewide averaging 20% above normal for this time of year. In Northern Utah, Porcupine Reservoir is nearly full at 99%, while Willard Bay is at 93%, and Newton Reservoir holds 92%. Bear Lake, a key regional source of water and recreation, is currently at 74%, while Hyrum Reservoir is at 66%. Meanwhile, Woodruff Creek is at 75% capacity, but Woodruff Narrows is significantly lower at just 54%.
Despite these strong reservoir levels, state water managers remain cautious.
“We are facing dismal snow water equivalent in southern Utah and are seeing increasing drought conditions in southwest Utah,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. “Reservoir storage will help this year. Let’s conserve this summer and keep water in our reservoirs.”
With about 95% of Utah’s water supply originating from snowpack, officials are encouraging residents and farmers to continue conservation efforts. Programs like the Agricultural Water Optimization Program and SlowtheFlow.org offer education and incentives to help preserve water for future dry seasons.