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.
“We’ll be happy if we can see near-normal precipitation across the state,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “But we are off to a slow start for December”
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s December Report, the Uinta Basin has fared best so far this water year and currently stands at 164% of normal. In contrast, the St. George area continues to be abnormally dry and has received only 46% of normal precipitation since the beginning of October.
Soil moisture is still trending below normal, but has seen slight improvement. Most regions are out of the critical bottom 10th percentile.
Reservoirs across the state are in good shape, with many above normal levels for this time of year. The statewide average is 75% full, slightly lower than last year’s storage during the same period. Reservoir storage remains well above the drought-driven lows of 2021-2022.
“Reservoirs have been crucial in buffering us from recent droughts,” Hasenyager said. “Promising storage levels now reflect favorable water years and ongoing conservation efforts, which are key to ensuring water security amid climate uncertainties.”
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 at https://slowtheflow.org/indoor-tips/
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For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email msanchez@utah.gov.
