- Reservoirs are 74% full, significantly higher than average.
- Soil moisture levels are 9% below normal statewide.
- Water officials encourage conservation amid uncertain conditions.
November 26, 2024 — As of late November, Utah’s water conditions present a mixed picture for the coming year. While reservoir levels are robust, soil moisture is notably low, raising concerns about the efficiency of next year’s spring runoff.
“Winter weather is just starting, so there’s still time for things to turn around,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources
. “Our snowpack is critical for our water supply. With this uncertainty, we must be mindful of how much water we use.”
Reservoirs Above Average.
Reservoir levels have been steadily declining since July, which is typical for this time of year. However, statewide reservoirs are currently 74% full, significantly higher than the average of 54%. This healthy storage creates a solid foundation for next year’s water supply.
“Reservoir storage is above normal, which bodes well for next spring’s water supply,” Hasenyager said. “These conditions are encouraging as we look toward the months ahead. Let’s keep water in our reservoirs and remember to dial back our water use whenever possible.”
Low Soil Moisture Raises Concerns.
Current soil moisture levels are around 9% below normal. Low soil moisture means that, without improvement, more of the snowmelt may be absorbed by dry ground before it reaches streams and reservoirs.
While below-normal soil moisture is not ideal, it’s too early to draw conclusions about next year’s water availability. Winter storms may help improve soil moisture and set up a better spring runoff. Recent precipitation has helped replenish soil moisture at shallow depths but has not significantly improved deeper levels.
Great Salt Lake Levels Drop.
The south arm of Great Salt Lake has dropped nearly three 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.
Conservation Efforts Continue.
In Utah, about 95% of the water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps 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 prepared for future conditions.
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