Image shows Echo Reservoir Boat ramp with mountains in the background

Drought Update 04/23/26

Published 04-23-26

SALT LAKE CITY (April 23, 2026) – In a typical year, Utah’s runoff – which refills our reservoirs – would just be getting underway. However, due to record-low snowpack and record-high temperatures, peak runoff has already come and gone. While larger reservoirs with multiple years of storage are doing well, smaller reservoirs with one or two years of storage capacity are struggling.  

On Tuesday, the Utah Department of Natural Resources met with county leaders and water providers to share critical data to support proactive resource management. Officials presented a bleak outlook for streamflow and runoff to help local leaders prepare for the coming months. 

“To address extreme drought, we are asking county leaders to coordinate with water providers and review drought contingency plans and consider if a county-specific drought declaration is warranted,” Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said. “While the state remains a resource for data and guidance, water planning – including any potential restrictions – takes place on a local level to reflect conditions in the area.”

The state’s Drought Response Committee, which consists of representatives from a variety of state agencies, is closely monitoring conditions and will make a recommendation to Gov. Spencer Cox if conditions warrant a statewide drought declaration, which is in effect for 30 days unless extended by the Legislature. Currently, 100% of the state is in some form of drought, and 59% is in extreme drought. 

Reservoir storage averages 72% full, which is slightly higher than normal for this time of year but down from 82% recorded last year. Statewide stream flow runoff is anticipated to be around 50% of normal. Natural inflows from the Colorado River into Lake Powell are expected to be 40% of normal this year. On March 21, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico approved a plan for the release of between 660,000 and 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge Reservoir beginning as early as this week and extending through April 2027 in order to protect critical elevations at Lake Powell.

As noted in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s April 1st Water Supply Outlook Report, every major basin in Utah had record-low snowpack as of April 1, and some were almost completely melted out. 

On April 28 at 8:30 a.m., DNR, Water Rights and Water Resources are holding a virtual media update/Q&A to highlight conditions. 

The Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, helping Utahns become more drought-resilient and better prepared for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.  

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For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email msanchez@utah.gov.

Image shows Echo Reservoir from a plan with snow on the mountains

Wings Over Weber ASO Project: A new era of snow measurement for the Great Salt Lake Basin 

Published 03-10-26

The Utah Division of Water Resources has partnered with Weber Basin Water Conservancy District and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office to expand and explore the use of Airborne Snow Observatories (ASO) technology in the Great Salt Lake Basin. This ASO project,  known as “Wings over Weber”, is the second of its kind in Utah and the first focused on a watershed within the GSL Basin. The project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Bureau of Reclamation.

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picture shows an image of a mountain range in Kamas. It shows a very small amount of snow on the mountains.

Utah Water Conditions Update December 2025

Published 12-18-25

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2025) – A warm and dry December and November have left the state with below-normal snow totals. While this is a reason for concern, two or three good storm cycles could bring the state up to normal levels. Utah’s snowpack typically peaks around the beginning of April. 

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Picture shows a river with plants on the banks of the water

Water Conditions Update – July 22, 2025

Published 07-22-25

SALT LAKE CITY (July 22, 2025) – 100% of the state is in moderate to severe drought. On average, our reservoirs have dropped around 10% between June 1 and July 1. Typically, reservoirs drop around 2% during the same period. This is due to increased demand and an inefficient spring runoff earlier this year. 

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Picture shows East Canyon State Park with mountains in the background on a sunny day.

Utah Water Conditions Update July 2025

Published 07-01-25

SALT LAKE CITY (July 1, 2025) – With the peak of summer ahead, state water officials are planning for hot, dry weather driving up demand. With drought conditions persisting across the state, using water wisely is more important than ever. Storms in the southern part of the state have improved the situation, while drought conditions have worsened in the northern part of the state. Overall, 91% of the state remains in moderate to severe drought.

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7 ways to protect water resources in honor of Earth Day

Published 04-21-25

April 21, 2025 — 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 that supports all terrestrial and aquatic life on our planet is actually so scarce! 

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image show a waterwise yard with a central grassy area

Residents of Utah Saved Over 100 Million Gallons of Water Through Landscape Conversions in 2024 

Published 04-17-25

SALT LAKE CITY (April 17, 2025) – Over 100 million gallons of water will be saved each year through landscape conversions in the 2024 Landscape Incentive Program. This vital initiative, led by the Utah Division of Water Resources and Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts, empowers residents and businesses to save water while reducing water bills and contributing to Utah’s long-term water resilience. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update February 2025

Published 02-18-25

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 18, 2025) – Utah’s snowpack has raised concerns among water managers. The state’s snowpack sits at 93% of normal, with two southern Utah basins recording less than 50% of normal snow water equivalent (SWE). Extreme drought has reappeared in southwestern Utah for the first time since March 2023.  

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Utah Water Conditions Update January 2025

Published 01-16-25

SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 16, 2025) – Northern Utah has experienced near-normal precipitation, although much of it has been in the form of rain rather than snow, which could affect water storage for the spring melt. In southern Utah, however, snowpack remains 27-64% of normal for this time of year, continuing dry conditions in that region. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update December 2024

Published 12-17-24

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 17, 2024) – Current snowpack is developing in a “stair-step” pattern, with storm-driven increases followed by plateaus. Statewide, our snowpack is 81% of normal. Despite this early variability, hopes remain for a near-normal snowpack accumulation by spring. Utah’s snowpack typically peaks in April. 

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