Utah Urges Water Conservation as Snowpack Remains Well Below Average

State water managers warn that the water outlook is 'not looking great' as the state grapples with ongoing drought conditions.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Utah's snowpack remains well below average nearly four months into its normal snow collection season, and state water managers say it's concerning. With the state's snowpack at only 62% of the median average for late January, hydrologists project it will slip into record-low territory by early February. Utah's reservoir system remains above normal for this point in the year, but the preliminary water outlook means less water flowing into reservoirs across all water basins. Water managers are urging residents to review water conservation options to limit any impacts.

Why it matters

Utah's water situation is tied to record warmth that has made it difficult for the state to benefit from above-normal precipitation since the water year began in October. This has left the state's snowpack, which accounts for approximately 95% of its water supply, well below average. The low snowpack levels are concerning for water managers as they prepare for potential water shortages and impacts to the state's reservoir system and the Colorado River, which many Western states share.

The details

Utah's snowpack remains at only 62% of the median average for late January, and hydrologists project it will slip into record-low territory by early February. While the state's reservoir system remains above normal for this point in the year, the preliminary water outlook means less water flowing into reservoirs across all water basins. Water managers are urging residents to review water conservation options, such as turning off sprinklers during rain or windy conditions, setting mower blades higher, fixing leaks, and reducing water use for activities like laundry and dishwashing.

  • Utah's snowpack remains well below average nearly four months into its normal snow collection season.
  • As of Friday, Utah's snowpack is at 62% of the median average for late January.
  • Hydrologists project the snowpack will slip into record-low territory by early February.

The players

Joel Williams

Interim director of the Utah Division of Water Resources.

Gary Henrie

A civil engineer at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Jordan Clayton

A hydrologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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What they’re saying

“We can all see that our water situation is not looking great.”

— Joel Williams, Interim director of the Utah Division of Water Resources

“That's pretty concerning. We're hoping things turn around in the Upper Basin.”

— Jordan Clayton, Hydrologist, Natural Resources Conservation Service

What’s next

Experts in Utah's neighboring states have been equally puzzled by this winter, and the low snowpack levels are expected to impact the Colorado River this year, which many of the states share, as well as Lake Powell, a key piece of the new water sharing agreement that the states are still negotiating.

The takeaway

This winter's record warmth and low snowpack levels in Utah and across the Western U.S. highlight the ongoing challenges of drought and water scarcity in the region. As water managers urge residents to conserve, it underscores the need for long-term solutions to ensure sustainable water supplies in the face of a changing climate.