SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 7, 2024) – In response to a recent request from the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, the Utah Division of Water Resources produced a dynamic new story map as an educational resource to define the processes that dictate the health of the Great Salt Lake.

The surface elevation of the Great Salt Lake decreased to an all-time low in 2022. Continued declines in lake levels have progressively larger local and regional consequences that negatively impact our air quality, economy and unique Great Salt Lake ecosystem. To address this challenge and to protect the resource, we need to understand how the lake responds to climate variability and human decisions. The story map — titled Great Salt Lake Basin: Connections, challenges and solutions —  allows people to gain a deeper understanding of how climate, hydrology and water management affect the rise and fall of the lake. The story map also addresses some of the critical preservation work underway, as well as what we can do moving forward to restore and maintain a healthy lake. 

We encourage everyone to explore this resource to continue learning about this complex water system, the challenges we face and what we can do to tackle those challenges together.

# # #

For more information, contact Kim Wells at kimwells@utah.gov or 801-803-0336.