Latest news with #UtahSnowSurvey
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah: Up to $2 million in drought relief for farmers
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced on Tuesday the availability of low-interest loans for agricultural producers impacted by drought through the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program. Up to $2 million is available for impacted agricultural producers in 17 counties widely expected to suffer the worst effects. In April, Gov. Spencer Cox issued a state of emergency due to ongoing drought in the following counties: Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Washington and Wayne. The declaration recognizes the significant challenges the drought presents to Utah's agricultural economy and rural communities. Eligible producers in those counties may apply for relief loans of up to $100,000 per entity; up to $2 million total is available through the program. The loans are low-interest, seven year loans with no interest for the first two years, and 2.75% thereafter. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 23. 'Utah's agricultural producers are on the front lines of drought impacts, facing difficult decisions as water scarcity threatens crops, livestock, and long-term viability,' said Agricultural Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. 'We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help. This loan program is just one of the tools we're using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong,' he added. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 93% of Utah is abnormally dry. Just over 42% of the state is already classified as suffering from severe drought, while southwest Utah is in extreme drought. A recent report outlining the water supply outlook for Utah noted the precarious conditions playing out in that region. Soil moisture values in that area are breaking records for dryness, according to the Utah Snow Survey with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Peak runoff forecasts are predicted to be in the bottom 15th percentile, if not record-setting. Despite resilient reservoir supply conditions, the agency said it remains 'very' concerned about the water supply outlook in the St. George area due to these factors. The area, in fact, is the driest it's been since the state first started taking records in 1895. Interested applicants should visit review program guidelines and application materials. UDAF encourages all producers to also contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to explore other federal drought assistance options. More drought resources are available at:
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
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The shape of Utah's water supply heading into the summer months
Utah's snowpack, which reached its peak late in March, suffered rapid depletion in April in most basins in the state to well-below normal precipitation. This culminates in a spring runoff that does not spin a good outcome. 'Resultingly, the water supply forecasts issued in this report predict substantially lower runoff volumes than those from last month,' according to the latest Utah Water Supply Outlook report issued this week by the Utah Snow Survey of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The report said as of May 1, Utah's statewide snow water equivalent (SWE) was 64% of normal (39% lower than last year's May 1 value, and a 28% drop from last month) Utah's fickle weather has many residents concerned. A poll released earlier this year said slightly less than half of Utahns seem to believe the state has enough water to meet our needs today, but 57% doubt that we will have enough water 20 years from now, according to a new study of Utahns' perceptions and priorities regarding water. The study released in April and was conducted by Envision Utah in partnership with Utah Water Ways, the Utah Division of Water Resources and the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner. Interestingly, 9 out of 10 respondents believe that they use less water than the average household, but 41% feel guilty for the amount of water they use on their landscaping. They also erroneously believed that more water is used statewide on indoor uses (like showering or washing dishes) than on outdoor irrigation and landscaping. At the time, Jason Brown, executive vice president of communications and education at Envision Utah, said a surprise takeaway from the survey is the worry by Utah residents that there will not be enough water to meet demand 20 years from now. 'To be honest, from a water conservation perspective, we were a little bit relieved that there's that much concern about the future because our water does sort of cycle from year to year, where one year we have a really dry year, we don't have a ton of snowpack, and then, you know, the next year we might have a lot more. It's easy to maybe get dismissive and say, 'You know what? It's going to be just fine.'' The latest numbers released in the NRCS report this week underscore the disparities that happen in how Mother Nature treats Utah when it comes to water. It shows: Extremely poor snowmelt runoff is forecasted for southern Utah, while northern Utah forecasts are more optimistic. Values range from 7% to 35% of average for the Southeastern Utah, Escalante-Paria, and Southwestern Utah regions, with the Upper Sevier only slightly better. Farther north, the Price-San Rafael and Duchesne basins have snowmelt runoff predictions in the 50% to 82% of average. Closer to the Wasatch Front, the forecast numbers vary widely; from as low as 28% of average for West Canyon Creek near Cedar Fort to as high as 93% of average for the Provo River at Woodland. Second only to Oregon, Utah is in the best overall condition for reservoir storage in the West, sitting at 83% of average, down only 4% from last year. While intermittent rainstorms this month have helped to delay the need for irrigation, the NRCS and other water watchers stress that conservation is vital to keep reservoir storage as stable as possible so there is enough carryover for next year. Michael Sanchez, spokesman for the Utah Division of Water Resources, said it is important for people to be vigilant. 'Conservation will be key as we move into summer. We do have a strong reservoir storage kind of throughout the state, but southern Utah is still struggling,' he said. Sanchez mentioned the drought declaration Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued last month for 17 counties, stressing the need for conservation and the wise use of water. 'We just want to make sure everyone is still taking that conservation mindset to heart and still still using water as wisely as they can,' Sanchez said. The division has a useful tool on its website advising residents of the amount of water they for landscaping given a specific area's condition. .
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.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Cox considers drought order for parts of Utah; Lake Powell faces below-normal runoff
Gov. Spencer Cox says his office is mulling a drought-related emergency declaration for some parts of Utah amid concerns of drought and below-normal snowpack as this year's spring runoff begins. "(It was) a pretty normal year for most of the state. ... However, I will say it was not a great year for all of the state," he said during his monthly news conference with Utah reporters. "Southern Utah, especially southwestern Utah, was well below average, and they are seeing some elevated drought conditions there," Cox continued. "I would say, yes, there is a very real possibility — in fact, we're working on it right now — on an emergency declaration for a few counties in the southwest corner of our state." Cox can issue an emergency declaration at any time, but it can only last 30 days without additional approval from the Utah Legislature. He hinted that the order could be issued within the next few weeks, as legislators will be back at Capitol Hill for a session in May. The governor made those remarks as a late-season storm delivered a much-needed jolt to the state, but it might be too late to make much of a difference in southern Utah. Most of Washington County remains in extreme drought, which extends into parts of Iron County, as well, per a U.S. Drought Monitor report released earlier in the day. Parts of those counties not in extreme drought remain in severe drought, which covers over one-third of the state. Other parts of western Utah, as well as parts of southeast Utah, are also among the driest in the state. Those areas also didn't fare well when it came to snowpack collection, which accounts for about 95% of the state's water supply. Several basins ended meteorological winter on track for a record-low collection, and while late-season storms prevented that from happening, Utah's two southwesternmost basins peaked at 48% and 53% of their median averages, while four others nearby ranged from 65% to 79% of average. Dry soil moisture levels alone can hinder snowmelt runoff efficiency, as more water in the snow goes toward recharging groundwater than the streams, creeks and rivers that feed Utah's lakes and reservoirs. But a poor snowpack on top of dry soil is about the worst-case scenario, according to Jordan Clayton, a hydrologist for the Conservation Service and supervisor of the Utah Snow Survey. "That's a recipe for not getting much runoff. We are very concerned about that," he told last week, pointing to those regions of the state. It's why streamflow outlooks aren't promising in the region, especially for large-scale reservoirs like Lake Powell. The country's second-largest reservoir remains at just 33% capacity, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials don't expect it to gain as much as it did the past two years. They released an update this month saying that a runoff that's 71% of average is the "most probable" outcome this spring. Should that be the case, Lake Powell may only gain about 12 feet in additional elevation, peaking at about 3,570 feet elevation — about 17 feet below last year's high point. Cox said the state is "always worried" about the Colorado River and Lake Powell, but he's more concerned about this winter's double-whammy in southwest Utah. He said it will likely hurt agricultural operations and some other industries, which is why his office is working with local officials and emergency agencies on the potential order. It's unclear what will be included in the order, but he issued multiple orders when a severe drought gripped the state from mid-2020 through early 2023. The orders called on conservation efforts while opening up relief for those impacted most by the conditions. Cox lauded many of the changes that governments have made in terms of water usage since then, especially in places like Washington County. "They've gotten really serious about it after talking about it for years, and pleaded and asked," he said. "They've taken that on in big ways. So they're better prepared to take on a rough year like the one they're facing right now." As for northern Utah's relatively average snowpack, the governor said there might be some "localized" issues when it comes to snowmelt flooding, which isn't uncommon. He doesn't expect any major risks, as was the case with the record snowpack collection two years ago. Contributing: Bridger Beal-Cvetko
