The entire state of Utah is experiencing the effects of drought right now.
The latest informational report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 100% of the state is abnormally dry and nearly 76% is in severe drought. The map also shows that a little more than 15% in Utah is in extreme drought.
Drought is often called a creeping disaster. The start and end of a drought are often difficult to define. Because of this, the Division of Water Resources works with the Utah Climate Center, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and federal partners to hold water condition webinars.
Utah’s reservoir levels are showing a drastic decline. Since June 1, the state has drawn down reservoirs at a rate more than double the normal rate. This is due to increased demand, lower-than-normal spring runoff and an extremely dry summer, the division said.
“Reservoirs are our first line of defense against drought and are vital for our communities and ecosystems,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “The rapid decline we’re seeing is a clear signal that we must be more vigilant and use less water.”
While current statewide reservoir storage sits at 67%, it is only slightly above the normal level of 65% for this time of year and significantly lower than the 83% reported last year at this time. According to the USGS, Great Salt Lake peaked in mid-April at an elevation of 4193.6 and is now at 4191.6 feet.
“A hot summer and increased demand have contributed to low reservoir levels and the decline of Great Salt Lake,” Hasenyager said. “We will continue to see these critical water bodies decline until temperatures cool and the irrigation season ends in October.”
“It was not a stellar year and nothing to write home about. This year it peaked at 14.2 inches, while in 2023 we got 30 inches,” said Michael Sanchez, division spokesman.
“We need to hold onto water because it is one of our most precious resources.”
Julie Cunnigham, with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, said the condition has been dire.
“This has been the 13th driest record since 1874. This whole spring and winter have been pretty dry so far.”
But Cunningham said the weather can be tricky. She is a trained professional as a weather forecaster but she does not have a crystal ball.
“We will take what we can get.”
