- Northern Utah sees near-normal precipitation.
- Southern Utah snowpack 27-64% of normal.
- Reservoirs at 77% capacity, 20% above typical.
January 21, 2025 –– The Utah Division of Water Resources
released its water update on January 16, 2025. The report highlights varying water conditions across the state, with northern Utah experiencing near-normal precipitation—although much fell as rain instead of snow—and southern Utah continuing to see a notably lower snowpack.
Northern vs. Southern Utah.
Northern Utah’s precipitation has been near-normal overall, but the type of precipitation could affect spring runoff. Meanwhile, snowpack in southern Utah ranges from 27% to 64% of the usual amount for mid-January. The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s latest findings show that December snowfall in southwestern Utah was minimal, contributing to some of the lowest snow water equivalent measurements in the region.
Reservoir Storage.
Reservoirs statewide stand at 77% of capacity. This level is 20% higher than typical for this time of year, reflecting strong carryover storage from the last two years of above-normal snowpack.
“We’re encouraged to see most reservoirs at or above normal levels for this time of year, even in areas with below-normal snowpack,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “The dry soil moisture in southern Utah combined with below-normal snowpack could pose challenges for water availability in certain basins.”
Water Supply Forecasts.
The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center’s models show most water supply forecasts falling between 70% and 90% of average. In southern Utah, forecasts sit closer to 40% of average, signaling continued dryness in that region.
“Every drop saved today contributes to a more resilient water supply tomorrow,” Hasenyager said. “Runoff efficiency will depend on weather conditions, but we all have a role to play in protecting this precious resource.”
Conservation Efforts.
About 95% of Utah’s water supply originates as snowfall, making reservoir storage and snowpack crucial. To support conservation, the Department of Natural Resources continues programs like the Agricultural Water Optimization Program and SlowtheFlow.org, offering tools and incentives to reduce water use. Indoor tips for saving water can be found on the Slow the Flow website, helping Utah residents stay prepared and better manage the state’s water resources.
Image via NASA Space Imaging, public domain.
“The sinuous black ribbon of the San Juan River cuts deep into the sandstone-pink landscape of southeastern Utah in this Ikonos image, taken on May 9, 2004. The image shows Goosenecks State Park, where the river is surrounded by canyon walls more than 1,000 feet high. Light gray, pink, and white striations (parallel lines) on the canyon walls mark where the river has eaten away at the ancient landscape to reveal 16 layers of geology, the oldest of which is well over 300 million years old. The ancient San Juan River flows out of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Early in its history, the river flowed over a flat landscape where swirling water wandered freely in ever-changing loops. Over time, the river wore away at the earth, cutting the deep canyons seen here, until its course was fixed into a groove. At the same time, the land of southern Utah and northern Arizona was being pushed up, making the groove even deeper. The result — the chasms of Goosenecks State Park — is one of the best examples of an entrenched river meander in the world. NASA Identifier: goosenecks_iko_2004129”
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