SALT LAKE CITY (April 18, 2025) – Utah reached this year’s snowpack peak on March 23 at 14.3 inches, which is equal to the state’s typical annual peak. Southwestern Utah continues to experience extreme drought conditions.
“The Drought Response Committee (DRC) has been meeting more regularly to address concerns in drought-impacted areas,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “Many state agencies are coordinating their response to drought conditions that will likely intensify heading into summer.”
The DRC is scheduled to meet twice a year – in March and October. Meeting twice a year, regardless of the drought conditions, allows the DRC to be proactive and identify needs that may be beyond the scope of the local community. At times when drought conditions are changing, the DRC meets more frequently.
During this time of year, we see a lot of swift water incidents with the spring/summer runoff. Rivers and streams are running high, fast and cold–even with air temperatures rising. Safety is a top priority as recreators head outside for much-needed sunshine. Check out the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s boating webpage for further tips and their free online boating course.
All boaters — whether you are a Utah resident or nonresident — must take the annual Utah mussel-aware boater course and have proof of course completion in your launch vehicle (a printed copy or downloaded to your DWR Hunting and Fishing mobile app). This includes users of all kinds of watercraft, including motorized boats and human-powered kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.
Utah’s reservoir storage continues to be a buffer for our water supply as summer approaches. Water managers are timing water releases for the incoming spring runoff.
“Be a water hero this summer,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “Hold off on irrigating until your landscape needs it. Most of northern Utah can hold off on irrigating until Mother’s Day or until temperatures are in the mid-70s for several days.”
In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, 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, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
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The Utah Division of Water Resources is one of 10 divisions housed within the Department of Natural Resources. Tasked with planning, conserving, developing and protecting Utah’s water resources, the division serves as Utah’s water steward.
For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email msanchez@utah.gov.
