On July 3, the level of Great Salt Lake dropped below the October 2021 historic low elevation

Image showing different Great Salt Lake elevations throughout the years.
Image showing different Great Salt Lake elevations throughout the years.

On July 3, the level of Great Salt Lake dropped below the October 2021 historic low elevation

Published 07-07-22

This average daily surface water elevation, 4,190.1 feet, was measured at USGS station 10010000, located on the southern end of the lake and is associated with a data record dating back to 1847.  

“Lake level data recorded at this gage has proven invaluable for resource managers and researchers working on Great Salt Lake during this dynamic time,” said USGS Utah Water Science Center data chief Ryan Rowland.  

Based on historic data, lake levels will likely continue to decrease until fall or early winter when the amount of incoming water to the lake equals or exceeds evaporative losses.

“This is not the type of record we like to break,” Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry said. “Urgent action is needed to help protect and preserve this critical resource. It’s clear the lake is in trouble. We recognize more action and resources are needed, and we are actively working with the many stakeholders who value the lake.”

Current drought conditions, water levels, weather forecasts, flood forecasts, and stream discharge, including rivers that flow into Great Salt Lake, are available via the USGS National Water Dashboard on your computer, smartphone or other mobile device. This tool provides critical information to decision-makers, emergency managers and the public during flood and drought events, informing decisions that can help protect lives and property.  

# # # 

Published April 22, 2024

April 22, 2024 — Earth is a watery place. When we look at a photo from space, it’s easy to see that our planet has more water than land. But of all the water on Earth, more than 99-percent of it is unusable by humans and many other living things. It’s surprising that the water …

Read Full Article
Published April 18, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY (April 18, 2024) – As April unfolds, Utah’s water situation reflects a delicate balance between melting snowpack, reservoir management and rising temperatures. Recent data suggests that we most likely witnessed the peak of our snowpack, reaching 18.8 inches on April 2, surpassing the median peak snowpack of 16 inches.

Read Full Article
Published April 15, 2024

Specific actions outlined to help ensure a resilient water supply for the lake SALT LAKE CITY (April 15, 2024) – The Utah Division of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation are pleased to announce the finalization of the Work Plan for the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan (GSLBIP), which charts the course for developing the GSLBIP. After …

Read Full Article