- Snowpack currently at 81% of normal statewide.
- Reservoirs averaging 75% capacity.
- Uinta Basin leads with 164% of normal snowpack this season.
December 24, 2024 — The Utah Division of Water Resources shared its December water update
last week, illustrating a staggered snowpack buildup—marked by storm surges followed by quieter periods. As of now, snowpack sits at 81% of the norm statewide. Despite a sluggish start to December, there’s cautious optimism for achieving near-normal levels by spring when snowpack typically peaks in April.
“We’ll be happy if we can see near-normal precipitation across the state,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “But we are off to a slow start for December.”
A closer look at regional variations shows the Uinta Basin outpacing other areas at 164% of normal for this water year. Conversely, southern Utah, particularly around St. George, has struggled, receiving just 46% of average precipitation since October.
Soil moisture levels have improved incrementally but remain below average. Encouragingly, most areas have climbed out of the critical bottom 10th percentile. Reservoirs, meanwhile, are holding steady at an average of 75% capacity—a slight drop compared to this time last year but still a significant recovery from the extreme lows seen during 2021–2022’s severe drought.
“Reservoir storage has played a critical role in shielding Utah from more severe drought impacts,” Hasenyager added. “Our current levels reflect a combination of favorable water years and ongoing conservation efforts—both crucial as we navigate uncertain climate patterns.”
With roughly 95% of Utah’s water supply originating from snowpack, reservoirs remain the linchpin of water management, particularly during the arid summer months. The state continues to promote conservation through initiatives like the Agricultural Water Optimization Program and public campaigns such as Slow the Flow.
Understanding Snow Water Equivalence and Its Importance.
Following the December update, the Division of Water Resources emphasized the significance of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE).
“Think of SWE as the hidden potential in snow,” explained the Division. “It’s essentially the amount of water you’d get if you melted a column of snow entirely. This metric directly informs how much water will reach reservoirs, rivers, and streams during the thaw.”
SWE is critical for predicting water availability and identifying flood risks when rapid melts occur. Conversely, low SWE levels can foreshadow a dry season, helping agencies plan for conservation measures well in advance.
Data on SWE also supports critical operations such as water modeling, forecasting changes to the Great Salt Lake’s elevation, and optimizing cloud seeding efforts. The Division utilizes a mix of manual field measurements, automated SNOTEL stations, and cutting-edge geospatial tools to monitor SWE throughout Utah’s watersheds, including the Colorado River Basin.
Although December’s snowfall remains erratic, experts are keeping a close eye on emerging SWE patterns and reservoir levels. These factors will play a decisive role in ensuring Utah’s water demands are met in the months ahead.
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