Snowpack drought leaves Utahns with less water for reservoirs
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State officials are warning Utahns an unusually dry winter season could mean water will be in short supply during the spring and summer months.
Utah is facing a significant water shortfall due to record-low snowpack, which is at about half of normal levels. State officials are urging residents and communities to conserve water, follow local watering guidance and prepare for ongoing drought effects.
Laura Haskell, drought coordinator of the Utah Division of Water Resources, emphasized the importance of snowpack.
"When you look at it statewide, we got just over 8 inches of water; typically, we would have 16 inches of water," Haskell reported. "In Utah, about 95 percent of all water supplies actually come from our snowpack."
Haskell noted most Western states have experienced a dry winter season, aligning with atmospheric cycles seen in prior years. She added although reservoirs are currently around 68 percent full, reduced spring runoff means the state will rely heavily on stored water this year.
Haskell pointed out nearly all of Utah is experiencing drought conditions, raising continued concerns for major bodies of water like the Great Salt Lake and Lake Powell.
"We really would start to see those start to climb in the next month as that snowpack melts, and we are not expecting that inflow because the snowpack just isn't there this year," Haskell outlined.
Haskell stressed specific conservation measures are left to local providers, as systems vary depending on whether an area uses groundwater or surface water and whether reservoirs are present.
"We have a certain amount of water, and we're probably going to rely on stored water this year," Haskell underscored. "It's really important that everyone does their part to use as little stored water as possible."
