Drought conditions across Utah continue to worsen, which officials say is leading to lower reservoir levels, heightened fire risk and an increased demand for water.
The state experienced unusually high spring temperatures and an average (in some areas, below average) snowpack, which led to a quick runoff season.
Now, with summer underway, more than 90% of the state is either in moderate or severe drought, with some high elevation areas in central Utah classified as abnormally dry.
“Temperatures have soared, and with that comes a natural increase in outdoor watering,” said Utah Division of Water Resources Director Candice Hasenyager. “We want our lawns and gardens to look nice and there are ways to do this through smart planning and new technologies that save water.”
According to the division, reservoir levels around the state remain at about 8% higher than normal for this time of the year. In northern Utah, Strawberry, Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Rockport, Smith and Morehouse, Echo, East Canyon and Pineview reservoirs are all at about 90% capacity or higher.
As of Wednesday, the Great Salt Lake was at about 4,192 feet in elevation, slightly below the state’s “ecologically healthy” level of 4,198 feet. Utah Lake was at about 91% capacity.
But with the drought worsening and peak summer temperatures still ahead, water levels in the state’s lakes and reservoirs are expected to drop.
“Right now, we’re generally seeing outflows from reservoirs begin to exceed inflows,” Hasenyager said. “That pattern typically sets in later in the summer, but this year’s heat is accelerating things. Across all sectors, we need to look for ways to be efficient with our finite water supply.”
The drought prompted Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to declare a state of emergency in 17 counties earlier this spring
The executive order allows farmers and ranchers to access low-interest loans from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Agricultural producers in Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Washington and Wayne counties can apply to receive up to $100,000, with loans available until the end of October.
The drought is also contributing to the high fire danger in Utah. So far this year, the state has seen more than 52,000 acres burned in 438 fires.
That includes the Forsyth Fire, which as of Wednesday afternoon was at about 13,419 acres and 42% contained, and the 33,362-acre France Canyon Fire, which is now 64% contained.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kyle Dunphey covers politics, public safety and the environment for Utah News Dispatch. He was named Best Newspaper Reporter by the Utah Society of Professional Journalists in 2023 for his work on crime and immigration at the Deseret News.
