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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
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Great Salt Lake is again on the decline, and summer likely won't help it
The Davis County Causeway cuts through the Great Salt Lake toward Antelope Island on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Great Salt Lake will likely have a tough summer. The saline lake relies on mountain snow melt to fill it with water, and this winter wasn't as good as the past two seasons. Enough snow fell in 2023 and 2024 to lift the state out of drought, fill reservoirs to above capacity and boost the withering Great Salt Lake. It's a different story this year. As of May 1, the amount of runoff that made its way to the Great Salt Lake basin is 72% of normal, compared with 108% at this time in 2024. Jordan Clayton, the Utah Snow Survey Program supervisor, predicted the lake would reach 4,193.7 feet by the end of the runoff season in July. 'The lake is at 4,193.3 feet right now,' Clayton said. 'We're already, unfortunately, seeing the lake past its peak in all likelihood.' This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake — and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. The lake rose about 1.5 feet from its seasonal low in November, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. Great Salt Lake Commissioner Brian Steed said any additional runoff that makes its way to the lake won't make much of a difference. The levels, he said, have already started to fall, and by the end of summer, the lake will lose as much – if not more – than it gained over the winter. 'I'm guessing we're going to have probably a foot and a half more decrease this year.' The good news, Steed said, is that the lake's salinity is OK. When salt levels get too high, it essentially suffocates the organisms that call the lake home because fresh water carries more oxygen than saltwater. The current projections are a disappointment to Steed and Clayton. Both anticipated water levels to creep up to at least 4,194 feet. The lake reached a historic low of 4,190.9 feet in 2022. At face value, where the lake stands now versus where it was predicted to be doesn't seem like a big difference. But Steed's established target range for the lake is between 4,198-4,205 feet. That allows for the ecosystem to support the survival of brine flies and brine shrimp. And keeps industries that do business on the lake, such as mineral extraction, able to do their jobs. And recreators can sail their boat or paddle their kayak without fear of hitting the lake bottom. Bonnie Baxter, a microbiologist at Westminster University who studies lake organisms, told KUER's RadioWest that she is seeing the ecosystem take a hit. 'We're starting to see the shorelines recede again. We're starting to see birds in strange places. We're starting to see the place where the brine flies pupate, those are all being exposed,' she said. 'We're starting to see signs that we're creeping towards that horrible place again.' Still, Steed is grateful that 'we're not in the crisis that we were in 2022.' The last two years have bought Great Salt Lake some time, but he sees that buffer eroding. He's also worried about impacts to the ecosystem as well as the dust from the exposed lake bed. The summer months aren't projected to ease the worry, either. Climatologists are predicting a hotter-than-average summer. That means the lake will evaporate faster. Additionally, when it's hotter, there is greater demand on Utah's already strained water system. The upside, Steed said, is that the majority of reservoirs in the northern part of the state are full. The southern part of the state, which is back in drought, doesn't have much impact on the lake. Any precipitation will help Great Salt Lake's cause. But the weather pattern is hard to predict right now. The biggest message Utahns should take away from the summer forecast, Steed said, is to plan on using less water. 'We haven't had the runoff that we wanted to see this year, and that puts us in a pretty perilous position heading into a dry summer,' Steed said. 'That makes us all more worried about how we get more water to the lake, and it's going to take all of us to get more water through intentional use and intentional reduction in use.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Most of Utah's snowpack has melted. What do Utah's reservoirs look like now?
People recreating near Utah reservoirs this Memorial Day weekend will likely find many of them full after a mixed bag of a winter. Utah's reservoir system remains 87% full with about 10% of the peak statewide snowpack left to melt, according to Utah Division of Water Resources data. Twenty-five of the state's 43 largest reservoirs are currently 81% full or more, including five that are listed at full capacity. Only eight are listed at 60% or lower, including Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir, and Panguitch Lake, which is still being repaired after cracks were found in the dam last year. Some of the other lower reservoirs are also scattered across central and southern Utah, where this year's snowpack wasn't as productive as in northern Utah. 'It's encouraging to see how much we've benefited these last three years, having average or above-average precipitation and snowpack,' said Joel Williams, the water division's deputy director. 'It's helped fill our reservoirs. We still are hurting in the southern part of the state … and we know we need some good snowpack in the future to help them out.' Williams provided members of the Utah Legislature's Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee an update on the state's snowpack on Wednesday. While reservoir numbers are good, he outlined some trends that water managers must track this year. This year's spring snowmelt hasn't been as efficient as experts had hoped, which lowered the state's water outlook heading into May. Snowmelt has been 'a bit earlier than average,' so the statewide snowpack could reach zero inches of snow-water equivalent before it normally does in the middle of June. Reservoirs at 100% or more capacity: East Canyon Reservoir Pineview Reservoir Porcupine Reservoir Scofield Reservoir Woodruff Creek Reservoir Woodruff Narrows Reservoir Reservoirs at 81% to 99% capacity: Big Sand Wash Reservoir Causey Reservoir Currant Creek Reservoir Deer Creek Reservoir Echo Reservoir Flaming Gorge Reservoir Joes Valley Reservoir Jordanelle Reservoir Hyrum Reservoir Lost Creek Reservoir Miller Flat Reservoir Newton Reservoir Otter Creek Reservoir Rockport Reservoir Sand Hollow Reservoir Smith and Morehouse Reservoir Starvation Reservoir Stateline Reservoir Strawberry Reservoir Utah Lake Willard Bay Reservoirs at 61% to 80% capacity: Bear Lake Cleveland Lake Gunlock Reservoir Huntington North Reservoir Ken's Lake Millsite Reservoir Moon Lake Reservoir Quail Creek Reservoir Red Fleet Reservoir Settlement Reservoir Steinaker Reservoir Reservoirs at 41% to 60% capacity: Gunnison Reservoir Minersville Reservoir Panguitch Lake Piute Reservoir Yuba Reservoir Reservoirs at 21% to 40% capacity: Lake Powell Lower Enterprise Upper Enterprise Several southern and central Utah basins have already reached the end of the snowmelt, hitting zero inches earlier than usual, according to Natural Resources Conservation Service data. Some had decent snowpack levels, but Williams said it was also a 'dismal' winter for southern Utah. As a result, Gov. Spencer Cox's drought declaration centered on 17 counties, mostly within those regions. Despite dropping levels, some Lake Powell ramps remain open for Memorial Day weekend. The Antelope Point Business, Bullfrog North Launch, Halls Crossing, Wahweap Main and Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary ramps are available for houseboats and small motorized vehicles, per the National Park Service. Meanwhile, most of the remaining snowpack is in the highest elevations of northern Utah. About 2 inches of snow-water equivalent remains within the Great Salt Lake basin, 11% of its peak and 63% of its median average for late May. This year's projected hot summer could increase evaporation rates along lower-level reservoirs and the Great Salt Lake, which is something water managers will have to 'plan for,' Williams cautioned. Potential monsoonal moisture would help reduce evaporation loss over the summer should storms materialize, but long-range outlooks seem to indicate that those storms may not reach the Great Salt Lake Basin. Water conservation measures are encouraged, as the state hopes for a better snowpack next winter. The Great Salt Lake's southern arm lost 3 feet of water after last year's summer heat. Williams said lake levels could become a concern again if the region experiences a repeat this summer. The lake is currently listed at 4,193.4 feet elevation, which is a level that could still impact brine shrimp viability, recreation and ecosystem health, according to the state's Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan. It's only about 1½ feet above a stage where 'serious' effects on air quality and mineral production are also possible. The lake hit a record low of 4,188.5 feet elevation in 2022 before a couple of good snowpack seasons improved the lake's fortunes. 'We had a little bit of a breathing (room) and it's back to a little bit of a nervous feeling,' Williams said. 'We don't want to hit a new record low; we want to maintain the progress we've had and work on increases and ways we can increase the flow.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Utah creeps deeper into drought as long-term forecasts point to a hot summer
Trees line the banks where the Provo River Delta flows into Utah Lake on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Drought is starting to creep back into Utah on the heels of an average winter, with long-term forecasts pointing to an abnormally hot summer. According to the three month seasonal outlook from the National Weather Service, the Beehive State is expected to have above average temperatures through August. Meanwhile, the service says it's unclear whether there will be above or below average precipitation this summer — according to its models, there's an equal chance of both. 'Hotter doesn't always mean drier. We are right now showing for most of the state at about equal chances of average precipitation,' said Joel Williams, deputy director of the Utah Division of Water Resources, speaking to lawmakers earlier this week. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Those three month outlooks are not an exact science — but they do come amid increasingly bleak water conditions for much of the state. Despite an average snow year for northern Utah, the southern regions had a 'dismal' winter, Williams said. The snowpack for some basins in the southwest veered into unprecedented territory this winter and according to the Natural Resource Conservation Service, much of southern Utah remained below 45% of normal moisture. And across the state, drought is starting to rear its head again after two good years. This time last year, about 25% of the state was considered abnormally dry, while just 0.2% was in moderate drought — now, 39% of Utah is in severe drought, with 3% in extreme drought, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Just the high elevation areas of Utah, Salt Lake, Wasatch, Summit and Morgan counties, and a sliver of Box Elder County, are in the clear. The rest of the state is facing at least abnormally dry conditions. Most of Washington County is in extreme drought, extending into parts of Iron County. And Tooele, Juab, Millard, Beaver, Iron, Kane, Garfield, San Juan, Grand and Uintah counties all have areas in severe drought. 'The last two years of above average snowpack helped us but now we're starting to see the drought creep back in. And as we say in Utah, we're either in drought or preparing for the next one,' Williams said. Those conditions led Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to issue a drought-related emergency declaration, giving farmers in the state access to low-interest loans to help weather the dry conditions. Eligible farmers can apply for seven-year loans of up to $100,000 each, with two years of no interest and 2.75% interest thereafter, according to the department. Applications for the loans will be accepted until Oct. 23. The good news, Williams said, is Utah's reservoirs are in healthy shape. Across the state, reservoir levels are about 20% higher than normal, with nearly every reservoir in northern Utah above 80% capacity. Utah Lake, Strawberry, Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Rockport, Smith and Morehouse, Pineview and Starvation reservoirs are all around 95% or higher. 'Those full reservoirs that we have, those could really help us if we're heading into another drought,' said Williams.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Utah's reservoir outlook: Why conserving water is key
COALVILLE, Utah () — Water resources this year could become very slim in parts of the state plagued with record low snowpack levels, while other parts could be breathing a sigh of relief. Echo Reservoir is sitting at 99.5% capacity. Currently, Utah ranks second in the West for overall storage capacity, just behind Oregon. Jordan Clayton, Supervisor of the Utah Snow Survey with Natural Resources Conservation Service, says Utah is in a good spot. 'Central Utah and the Wasatch Front are very close to full—if not already full—at many of our reservoirs, including large ones like Echo,' Clayton said. Utah's reservoirs (excluding Lake Powell) right now are averaging about 86% capacity—a strong number for this time of year. Remains found in Salt Lake confirmed to be University of Utah student who disappeared in 1973 'They support agriculture, municipal water, industry—pretty much everything,' Clayton added. 'But we are concerned, particularly in southern Utah.' Southern Utah's record low snowpack season has led to severe and extreme drought conditions for Southwest Utah. And their reservoirs have likely already seen peak runoff for this year. Candice Hasenyager, Director of the Utah Division of Water Resources, says water conservation is key right now, no matter where in the State we live. 'If we're not in drought, we're preparing for the next one. And if we have a hot, dry summer in northern Utah, that can really diminish our water supply. So using our water wisely is always the right thing to do,' Hasenyager added. Water resource managers for Echo Reservoir say the reservoir was designed to be a one year supply reservoir. So it's levels fluctuate drastically each year but don't expect it to spill this year. Utah's reservoir outlook: Why conserving water is key Salt Lake City Library to celebrate rooftop's reopening with all-ages party Fetterman on reported health concerns: Former staffers have a 'bizarre grudge' Lingering moisture allows for scattered showers, thunderstorms for some Lawmakers question RFK Jr about cuts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Cox issues drought declaration for 17 counties, urges Utahns to be ‘mindful' of water
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a drought declaration for 17 of Utah's 29 counties on Thursday, following a snowpack collection season that was beneficial for some Utah basins and less than ideal for others. The governor ordered the Utah Drought Response Committee — a group composed of various government agencies and water users — to review 'hardships and other circumstances' caused by drought in the counties across southern and central Utah, recommend actions to address those challenges and create a way for 'interagency coordination' tied to those actions. Thursday's declaration also recommends that water supplies and irrigation companies across southern and central Utah 'encourage efficient landscape watering' and contact the Utah Division of Water Resources over a potential drought response plan, if needed. Cities and counties are also encouraged to consider developing and implementing 'water restriction plans and taking other steps to promote water conservation for the upcoming irrigation season,' per the order. The order also recommends that residents reduce outdoor watering/waste, fix irrigation and indoor leaks, and implement waterwise landscapes in 'unnecessary turf areas.' Counties included in the drought declaration include: Beaver Carbon Emery Garfield Grand Iron Juab Kane Millard Piute San Juan Sanpete Sevier Tooele Uintah Washington Wayne 'We've been monitoring drought conditions closely and, unfortunately, our streamflow forecasts are low, particularly in southern Utah,' Cox said in a statement. His decision wasn't much of a surprise. During his monthly briefing with Utah reporters last week, the governor said he was close to issuing a drought order. All emergency declarations last for 30 days unless extended by the Utah Legislature, and he said he wanted to wait until it could convene. Utah's snowpack was close to average this year, but water experts cautioned it wasn't a great year for everyone. Jordan Clayton, a hydrologist for the Conservation Service and supervisor of the Utah Snow Survey, gave statewide snowpack a 'C' grade earlier this month, because the season ended below-average for most of central and southern Utah. The statewide average only increased because of normal to slightly above-normal collections in northern Utah. Drought conditions worsened in Utah's southern half from a lack of snowpack. Nearly half of the state is in severe drought or worse, including a large portion of Washington and Iron counties in extreme drought, per the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only a little more than a quarter of the state is in no drought or 'abnormally dry.' Drought can impact spring runoff, sending more snowpack into the ground instead of the creeks, rivers and streams that go toward the state's reservoirs. 'That's a recipe for not getting much runoff,' Clayton said. 'We are very concerned about that.' The document notes that all counties included in the order are either in extreme or severe drought or 'at risk' of impending drought because their streamflow forecast is projected to be below 50%. Southwest Utah's water supply could end up below 30% this spring because of a mix of below-normal snowpack and extreme drought. This can have widespread effects on agriculture and livestock production, wildlife and drinking water supplies. Although Utah's reservoir system remains about 85% statewide, some reservoirs could run out early this year. There's no certainty over what next winter will bring. That's why experts are urging residents to take steps to reduce water consumption as the irrigation season begins. 'I urge all Utahns to be extremely mindful of their water use and find every possible way to conserve,' Cox added. 'Water conservation is critical for Utah's future.' Wildfire danger also increases during drought. Cox issued a separate order tied to wildfire preparedness earlier this week.
