SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 18, 2024) – Assessing Utah’s water conditions in mid-January reveals a unique narrative. While much of December witnessed scarce precipitation, the trajectory shifted with early January storms, bringing our snowpack to normal levels for much of the state.
“These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of our terrain and weather patterns,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “It’s imperative to stay aware and responsive to our changing water supply conditions to ensure the resilience of our water supply.”
Despite the dry December, reservoirs statewide stand at a robust 80%, a significant 23% higher than the usual levels for this time of year. This is due to the record-breaking snowpack last year. Our reservoirs continue to be vital in storing water for various needs. For the most part, reservoirs will likely stay near these levels until spring runoff.
“As we navigate the winter season, these dry and wet periods underscore the need for ongoing commitment to use less water and vigilance in water management,” Hasenyager said. “Water experts are monitoring these fluctuations and planning accordingly ahead of spring runoff.”
To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions.
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For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email msanchez@utah.gov.
